The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians invites one and all to share in the celebration of our heritage and cultural at the annual Chukchansi Pow Wow - held the first weekend of October each year. This year's Pow Wow was held the weekend of October 3rd and 4th at the Coarsegold Historical Village, 35300 Highway 41, Coarsegold, CA.

A Powwow, or cultural celebration, as it was called in former times, is a truly family event growing out of economic, social, and cultural experiences of many Native American tribes. Powwows provide opportunities for people to come together to sing, dance, make friends, renew old friendships, and enjoy arts and crafts. To many people today, powwow have spiritual and religious significance. Some people can trace the word “Pow wow” to the Algonquin language saying how the Europeans used the word to refer to a council meeting.

Today, powwows have become an intertribal event and are a time when older customs and ways are brought to the present day and age. It is more than just Indians dancing and singing. These cultural events help to solidify Indian communities as well as provide an opportunity to teach and learn many traditional customs. Powwows are held throughout the year, but mostly in the summer time where participants and spectators have more space to explore and practice their singing and dancing.

PRCI celebrates it’s 18th year sponsoring this annual cultural event. The Powwow Committee has worked hard throughout the year planning to make this event as exciting and eventful as possible.