The Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma has been hosting events every night since Christmas and is continuing to do so until the upcoming Monday. From gourd dances to handgames, they have held different events throughout the week.

On Christmas night, the Giveswater Service Club held dinner and a gourd dance for the people. The gourd dance is historically for the warriors of the tribe. Only men dance in the arena during these, but the women gather behind the dancers and gently move to the beat. There is little movement involved in the dance, but it has deep spiritual and meaningful ties to it.

On Mon., Dec. 26 the Ponca N.A.C held Dinner and handgame. On Tue., Dec. 27, the Ponca Tribe JOM did the same. Handgame is played by two teams seated facing each other. Sticks are handed to the players that are marked or unmarked and they are held in the hands, hiding whether the stick is marked or unmarked. Each team has a person who is chosen to guess on which stick is marked or not. On Wed., Dec. 28, they are playing handgame and having refreshments after.

On Thu., Dec. 29, the Giveswater Service Club is planning to have a potluck at 6 pm, followed by a singalong. On Fri., Dec. 30, the Ponca Princess Sorority is holding a potluck at 5:30 pm with handgame after.

Throughout new years weekend, the Ponca Tribe Business Committee is hosting a meal at 5:30 pm with a evening program to follow on Sat., Dec. 31. Finally, to ring in the new year, Nadia Kent and family and Bruce Johnson are holding a gourd dance at 2 pm, dinner at 5 pm, and a wolf and war dance following dinner.

All events are held at the White Eagle Cultural Center. For any questions or information, call 580-382-6636. To stay updated on the Ponca Tribe’s events and functions, check their Facebook page at Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.