This year's event saw a handful of Southern Ute tribal members who came out to enjoy the neighboring celebrations on both Friday and Saturday. Southern Ute tribal members, Maleina Carel and Brianna Goodtracks-Alires.

Emcee, Ernie Zah welcomes dancers into the arena during the first Grand Entry of Friday night at Fort Lewis College. Zah worked to keep the event on schedule, organized dancers, all while keeping the crowd entertained in brief intermissions.

Host Southern Drum, Southern Soul sings a flag and a victory song on Friday night for all dancers and veterans in attendance.

Southern Ute tribal member, Olyvia Winter-Fawn Watts, competes in the Jr. Girl’s Traditional category on Friday evening.

Southern Ute tribal member, Starlitt Greany also competed in the Jr. Girl’s Traditional category–showing of her graceful style on Friday night.

Jr. Boy’s Fancy Dancer, Leo Brady competes on Friday at Hozhoni Days Powwow.

A Men’s Northern Traditional dancer awaits his contest; adult competitions took place on Saturday afternoon for this year’s Hozhoni Days Powwow.

Gourd dancers wear their best for the second session of Gourd Dance on Saturday afternoon ahead of the Grand Entry. Dancers moved to the beat of the host Southern Drum, Southern Soul.

Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum

60th annual Hozhoni Days Powwow

Friday - April 3, 2026 by Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum

The 60th annual Hozhoni Days Powwow returns to the Whalen Gym at Fort Lewis College, Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28. Organized by Wanbli Ota, the student powwow committee, the Whalen Gym saw a packed crowd for both days of the celebration, bringing the opportunity for dancers and singers to showcase their styles at the college. Each year the event is held to celebrate Native culture, with competition dancing and singing, intertribal dancing, various Native art vendors, and more.