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Flagstaff Indigenous Commission details April community powwow; event to be free to public
Summary
City staff and commissioners outlined logistics for the City of Flagstaff community social powwow, set for mid-April alongside Flagstaff High School’s contest powwow; organizers confirmed emcee, arena director, head dancers, host drums, vendor arrangements and that proceeds will support the school’s Native American Club.
City staff and commissioners on Feb. 12 presented detailed plans for the City of Flagstaff community social powwow, scheduled to coincide with the Flagstaff High School contest powwow in mid-April. Staff said the event will be free to the public and that vendor fees will benefit the school’s Native American Club.
"The City of Flagstaff community social powwow, a kinship gathering at Abalone Shell Mountain," said Rose Tohi, the commission’s staff liaison, summarizing the chosen theme and location language. Tohi confirmed the contest powwow dates for Flagstaff High School and said the broader community powwow will run Sunday, April 19, with opportunities for vendors to remain on site for surrounding events.
Organizers named Michael Salabai as master of ceremonies and Rick Yazzie as arena director; Frankie Hoskie will serve as head gourd dancer and James Arnold III as head male dancer, with Shontay Dan Jensen named head woman dancer. Southern and northern host drums were identified (Michael Cone and Robbie Thompson, respectively). Tohi said vendor applications and W-9s are being collected so organizers can issue vendor numbers and make same-day payments when applicable.
On programming, Tohi said there will be age-specific specials—Rick Yazzie will run 17-and-under specials for both girls and boys—and a special performance focused on old-style jingle-dress dancing. Food vendors, including a family offering indigenous tacos and fry bread, will provide concessions; that family will also volunteer to feed event staff.
Commissioner Daryl Marks emphasized the powwow’s community and youth focus, noting Flagstaff High School students’ deep involvement in planning and outreach. Tohi added that the event will use a QR code on publicity materials to direct vendors to the Native American Club’s registration and vendor information.
"It's gonna be free to the public," Tohi said, confirming there will be no admission charge for attendees. Organizers asked commissioners to help recruit veterans to carry flags at grand entry and to assist with publicity. Next practical steps include finalizing the flyer and publishing vendor registration information by the week following the Feb. 12 meeting.
The commission did not take formal action on the powwow during the meeting; the report was informational and intended to coordinate staff, volunteers and community partners ahead of the April dates.
