38th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow

Start: Friday, November 6, 2026 9:00AM
End: Sunday, November 8, 2026 4:00PM

We are a 501 (c) (3) Public Charity which functions in cooperation with Eglin Air Force Base and generous local support to present an annual Native American Powwow as part of the Native American and Alaskan Heritage Month activities during the month of November. The goals of our council are to educate the local community about Native Americans and their role in the past and the present. We promote cultural understanding, encourage participation and good-will between Native and non-Native people. Children’s Day - Each year we attract hundreds of students from the tri-county area. The festivities start as soon as the first busses arrive at 9 am and the fun continues until the last bus reluctantly pulls away at 2 pm. The day is filled with Dancing, Drumming, Storytelling, Cultural Exhibits and crafts demonstrators. The students are active participators in all the fun. Our dancers, drummers and exhibitors enjoy it just as much. Mixed in all the fun, is education. The Fort Walton Beach and Valparaiso Museums has information booths filled with artifacts; the Eglin Archeological office is there along with Jackson Guard to discuss the rich diversity of the Eglin reservation. There are Native American Indian village displays and traditional encampments. This is truly our key event. The powwow starts that evening, after the students depart Children's’ Day. You may ask “What is a Powwow” o The word powwow came from the Narragansett Indians of the Northeast. It referred to a shaman or teacher, a dream or vision, or a council or gathering. The powwow today has evolved. The contemporary powwow provides an opportunity for people to celebrate their identification with Indian culture and became an inter-tribal expression of pride. o This event attracts a large crowd of people interested in sharing and learning about our traditions. It features a Dance and Drum Group contest…with prizes going out to the youngest tiny tots to our most respected elders. o There is a craft competition among native artisans o Food and shopping for those interested in finding authentic Indian made crafts. o Educational booths are there for the public to teach and enlighten. o This event is always the first weekend of November.