The Kaw Nation will present its 2026 Washunga Days Powwow Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, at Allegawaho Park, 1645 S. 525 Road, near Council Grove.
Activities are free and open to the public. Attendees are advised to bring lawn chairs.
Registration will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. both evenings, followed by the grand entry at 7:30 p.m.
Friday’s events will feature Tiny Tots for children ages 6 and younger and junior boys’ and girls’ competitions for ages 7 through 17. Boys will compete in straight, traditional, fancy and grass dance categories. Girls’ categories will include cloth, buckskin, fancy shawl and jingle.
Saturday will feature senior men’s and women’s competitions for ages 18 through 54 and Golden Age competitions for men and women ages 55 and older. Men’s categories will include straight, traditional, fancy and grass, while women will compete in cloth, buckskin, fancy shawl and jingle.
The powwow head staff includes Head Singer Jordan Jones, Head Man Dylan Bellmard, Head Lady Little Carol Clark, Master of Ceremonies Ken Bellmard and Arena Director Damien Littledeer. Bear Donelson and Maxwell Brave Mc-Connell will serve as water carriers.
Food, arts and crafts vendor spaces are available. Those interested in becoming vendors may contact Kaw Nation Headquarters at 580-2692552.
From Council Grove, visitors should travel south on Dunlap Road, turn left onto X Avenue and then left onto South 525 Road. The arbor will be on the left in approximately one- half mile. Signs will be posted.
The area beneath the arbor is used for dancing and ceremonies and is known as the arena. For the Kanza people, the arena is a sacred place, and the ground has been blessed by spiritual leaders. Photography is permitted during the powwow, but visitors are asked to receive permission before photographing individuals.
Drugs and alcohol are prohibited. The Kaw Mission activities are presented in partnership with Friends of Kaw Heritage, the City of Council Grove, area foundations and the Kaw Nation.