Voting and General Council
Tribal members 18 and older can vote at the designated polling place on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tribal ID is required.
General Council takes place on Saturday at 3 p.m. inside FireLake Arena. Election results are presented during the meeting.
Read more on Tribal elections, including past election results and the election ordinance, here.
Powwow and Grand Entry
Proper attire honors the sacred space of the dance arena, ancestors, tradition, and fellow Tribal members, and it is mandatory for entering the arena.
Women should keep their legs and shoulders covered by wearing ankle-length skirts and a shirt that conceals the shoulders as well as carry a shawl. Men should wear slacks and a ribbon shirt. Everyone should wear close-toed shoes and move clockwise around the arena. Flip flops, tank tops and shorts are not permitted in the arena. Those not following the dress code will be asked by Arena Directors to remain in the stands.
Watch a short video about powwow etiquette here.
The powwow consists of group, social and competitive dances. Everyone who meets the clothing requirements can participate in Grand Entry. Competition dances includes men’s traditional, women’s traditional, jingle dance and more. Learn more about powwow dances here.
Spectators should remain past the outer edge of the dance arena in the walkway and stands, respecting boundaries of the drum circle, dancers, and others. Respect the seating dancers have marked with blankets or other pieces of cloth and often their regalia. Respect all dancers’ regalia and personal space. Do not touch regalia without permission.
Cell phones are allowed in the arena; however, do not photograph or video any dancers without their permission, especially as they prepare for competition. Spectators should remain in the stands to take photos. Listen carefully to the emcee for times to put away all electronic devices.
Dogs are not allowed in the dance arena as it is a sacred space.
Read more here.
Culture
Moccasins and closed-toed shoes in the arena are one of the basic etiquette requirements of the sacred space. Most dancers wear moccasins while they participate in Grand Entry or competition. Learn how to make a pair of traditional pucker-toe moccasins here.
The Family Reunion Festival weekend also includes classes on how to make different pieces of regalia, beading and other cultural activities.
Hand games remain one of the most anticipated and fun activities of Family Reunion Festival. Held on Friday night, this traditional family competition sometimes tops over 100 participants broken into groups of seven. Hear an explanation of the rules and learn how to play here.
Registration and security
Register for the 2023 Festival in person at FireLake Arena, June 26-29, 2024.
In the event of a lost child, there is either a security guard or a police officer at every gate who will help you find your child. Report a missing child to the nearest officer or call Tribal Police at 405-878-4818.
Family interviews
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center hosts family interviews throughout the weekend during Family Reunion Festival. Find more information here, and sign up for a time slot at portal.potawatomi.org under the “Schedule Interview” section.