COARSEGOLD, CA – The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians has announced its 2025 powwow, taking place October 10–12 at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, CA. The powwow, one of the tribe’s largest cultural celebrations, will bring together dancers, drummers, singers, families, and friends for three unforgettable days of competition, tradition, and community connection. All are welcome to attend.
The powwow will be located in the front parking area of the casino and the hand games tournament will be on the back side of the casino in the concert venue area.
“The powwow and our traditional hand games tournament is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as Chukchansi people and to share our culture with the communities,” said Chairwoman Tracey Hopkins. “This year’s powwow is dedicated to honoring the Creator, through prayer, song, and dance.”
The hand games tournament will be an opportunity for Indian communities to come from all over to compete in Chukchansi traditional ways that are deeply meaningful to them. The powwow committee will be awarding thousands of dollars in prizes. The nation’s top players will compete for the tribe’s top prize of over $20,000.
“I want to thank the powwow committee for providing this year’s events and representing our tribe with culture, dignity, and pride,” said Chairwoman Hopkins. “We rely on our tribal members who put countless hours into ensuring these events continue to be a priority within our culture as Indian people.”
Powwow Highlights:
- Grand Entry: Friday, Oct. 10 at 6:00pm; Saturday, Oct. 11 & Sunday, Oct. 12 at 12:00pm
- Gourd Dancers: Saturday, Oct. 11 & Sunday, Oct. 12 at 11:00am
- Bird Singers: Saturday, Oct. 11 at 5:00pmDance contests, drum contests, and hand drum contests
- Cornhole tournaments, raffles, arts and crafts, and food vendors
Hand Games Tournament Highlights:
- Main Tournament: $20,000 first place prize; registration Saturday, Oct. 11, 12:00pm–2:00pm ($150 entry fee)
- Bone Hog Tournament: Friday evening, Oct. 10, $2,500 first place
- Kids Tournament: Saturday morning, Oct. 11, $1,500 first place
- 4-Man Tournament: Saturday, Oct. 11, $2,500 first place
- Sunday Shootout: Sunday, Oct. 12, featuring Jacob Joe & Talon Tohtsoni vs. Dantana Dick & Jason Cullooyah
Thousands in cash prizes will be awarded across hand games competitions.
A Family-Friendly Celebration
In addition to the competitions, the weekend will also include a special kids’ hand games tournament with cash awards, making the event fun for younger participants as well. The powwow features arts and crafts vendors, food booths, raffles, and family activities. Families from across the region are invited to attend and participate in this celebration of culture and community.
A Celebration of Living Tradition
With its drumbeats, songs, and the spiritual energy of dancers in regalia, the powwow offers a chance to experience Native culture firsthand. Hand games, one of the oldest traditional competitions among Native peoples, bring together strategy, skill, and community spirit in a way that connects generations past and present.
