Moving Forward Together social powwow set for June 2-4

The second annual Moving Forward Together Powwow will be June 2-4 at the Rafter 3C Indoor Arena, 227 Sheckler Road. This social powwow is hosted by Om Namo, Native Voters Alliance Nevada, and local Native community members. This event is free and open to all.

MFT is offering free wellness workshops (including an abalone-carving art workshop), contest specials, a $2,000 drum contest, dance exhibitions, raffles, and an Indigenous Arts Market with more than 40 vendors, including arts and crafts, food, and resources. A traditional feed will be held Saturday evening. To view the schedule, visit fallonpowwow.com/schedule

This is the only large powwow held in Fallon for over a decade. It was started last year, in 2022, to gather to find purpose, joy, and heal from the loss and grief of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving Forward Together celebrates Indigenous wellness, with a focus on healing, artistry, creativity and culture. 

Specials and exhibitions include:

• Fancy Dance Special, Dedicated to Myron Dewey, Sponsored by the Dewey Family

• Red Dress Special, Dedicated to Norm Harry, Sponsored by the Harry Family

• Pink Dress Special, Sponsored by Head Woman Aurora Toledo

• Northern Men’s Traditional Special, Sponsored by Head Man Robert Toledo Jr.

• Sweethearts Special, Sponsored by the MFT Powwow Committee

• Sobriety and Recovery

• Owl Dance Special

• Potato Dances

• Healing Dance led by Jingle Dancers

• Butterfly Dance Exhibition

• Eagle Wings Pageant Dance Group

Headstaff:

• Head Woman: Aurora Toledo (Paiute/Shoshone

• Head Man: Robert Piper Jr. (Paiute/Shoshone)

• Arena Director: Hank Johnson (Washoe/Paiute

• Master of Ceremonies: Tyson Shay (Shoshone-Bannock)

• Host Drum: Bear Springs (San Jacinto, California)

Free workshops include:

• Abalone Carving Art Class (five hands-on participants, register online)

• Native Pollinator Seedball Class

• The Principals of Belonging & Storytelling

• The Principles of Generosity & Giving

• Tribal Artifacts: Story of the Red Giants

• Naloxone Education and Overdose Prevention

• Suicide Prevention 101