3rd Annual Gathering of the Seasons Pow Wow & Smoke Dance Competition 2026

Seneca Arts and Learning Center presents the 3rd Annual Gathering of the Seasons Pow Wow & Smoke Dance Competition, co-presented with Indigeneroots.

Date: August 22, 2026
Doors open: 9:00 a.m.
Grand Entry: 12:00 p.m.

Breakfast will be served starting at 9:00 a.m. Donations are appreciated for each plate, with proceeds benefiting S.A.L.C.

Head Staff:
Host Drum: Elks Blood Singers
Smoke Dance Singer: Alan Dowdy
Emcees: Halsey Jimerson (Iroquois) and Vernon “Duey” Longboat (Powwow)
Arena Directors: Aaron Miller and Chelce Finch
Head Male Dancer: Kelvin George
Head Female Dancer: Nizhoni Kennedy
Head Youth Iroquois Male Dancer: Maverick Jimerson
Head Youth Iroquois Female Dancer: Lydia Isaacs
Head Powwow Judge: Ana Stahlman
Head Smoke Dance Judge: Robin Jacobs
Head Veterans: Iroquois Post 1587

Pow Wow Competition:
Men’s 18+ Fancy/Grass/Traditional
1st: $400
2nd: $300
3rd: $200

Women’s 18+ Fancy/Jingle/Traditional
1st: $400
2nd: $300
3rd: $200

Teen Boys 13-17 Fancy/Grass/Traditional
1st: $150
2nd: $100
3rd: $75

Teen Girls 13-17 Fancy/Jingle/Traditional
1st: $150
2nd: $100
3rd: $75

Youth Boys 6-12 Fancy/Grass/Traditional
1st: $125
2nd: $75
3rd: $50

Youth Girls 6-12 Fancy/Jingle/Traditional
1st: $125
2nd: $75
3rd: $50

Each category is separate.

Smoke Dance Competition:
Men’s 18+: $400 winner take all
Women’s 18+: $400 winner take all

Teen Boys 13-17:
1st: $200
2nd: $150
3rd: $100

Teen Girls 13-17:
1st: $200
2nd: $150
3rd: $100

Youth Boys 6-12:
1st: $150
2nd: $100
3rd: $75

Youth Girls 6-12:
1st: $150
2nd: $100
3rd: $75

Tiny Tots will be combined, with powwow day money awarded.

Drum Competition:
1st: $3,000
2nd: $2,000
3rd: $1,000

Specials:
Tiny Tot Special hosted by S.N.I. Little Miss Showcase
Lil’ War Dance Special hosted by EVL Ink
Iron Man Smoke Dance hosted by Head Man Kelvin George
Switch Dance hosted by Head Women Nizhoni Kennedy

Vendor sign-up: Hannah.Talbott@sni.org

For volunteer sign-ups and additional questions: 716-945-5035;  Chelce.Finch@sni.org;
Hosted by the Seneca Arts and Learning Center.