The United Tribes International Powwow is a four-day (Thursday to Sunday) annual event held in Bismarck, North Dakota. On September 8 to 11, 2011 they will celebrate their 42nd year in their usual venue at the United Tribes Technical College’s Lone Star Arena. Powwows date back to ancient Native American times and were intended to be healing ritual gatherings by notable medicine men. Modern day Pow wows are now popular as a big event where Native Americans gather to celebrate, pray, dance and showcase their rich heritage and culture.

Known as one of the biggest yearly powwows in America, the United Tribes International Powwow are attended by over seventy tribes and 1,500 traditional drummers and dancers. It also attracts more than 20,000 audiences which made it a must-see affair in North Dakota every year. During the festivities, different American Indian tribes participate in 22 types of contests for little children, juniors, teens, adults and seniors.