In recognition of Veterans Day this month, a community powwow is set to take place at Ignacio High School on Saturday, Nov. 11. The community powwow encourages participation from all veterans in the area, is free of charge and will host vendors and concessions onsite for the event.  

Southern Ute Veterans Assocation Commander, Howard Richards Sr. spearheaded the idea of bringing a powwow back to the Ignacio community tailored to veterans — with the support and fundraising efforts of the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility Powwow group. Richards approached Ignacio School District Superintendent, Chris deKay with the idea and the venue was set. The Ignacio School District generously offered the Southern Ute Veterans Assocation a space to gather, and a date was set for November.  

“We would like the whole community of veterans to be there because we are recognizing them,” Southern Ute elder, Ramona Eagle said. “Commander Richards was instrumental in helping us get the High School. Superintendent deKay was gracious in letting us use the facility for free.” 

The Head staff selection for the powwow is to be made of veterans at Commander Richards’ request.  

The Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility Powwow group emphasized the importance of making this a community powwow, a social gathering at its core. Speaking to the significance of these local powwows, Eagle said, “We have them in order for people to get interested, in order to get their kids out dancing and participating.”  

“Our little powwows are to have a good time, for dancing — a community powwow. It’s good when we all get together; it’s really enjoyable,” said Connie Baker, another key advocate of the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility Powwow group. The group is comprised of Southern Ute volunteers, ranging in age, with the single purpose of promoting cultural powwow events that bring community members together. 

“Everybody gathers, we have a good time,” Baker emphasized.  

The group formed in 2022 and is currently active with close to a dozen members — Elise Redd, Terry Box, Amber Box, Terena Height, Connie Baker, Stefanie Fasano, Jennifer Goodtracks, Christen Heart, Theodosia Frost, Rhonda Wilbourn, her daughter Kellis, Ramona Eagle, and brothers Stais and Dermarr Harlen. 

In the past twelve months the group has hosted a number of community powwows, including the Masquerade Powwow, a “Sweetheart” powwow for Valentines Day and the Christmas Powwow — all held at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility. The powwows are made possible through volunteer fundraising and community contributions.  

“The volunteers — they work very hard,” Redd said. “We welcome food and money donations.” 

Four handmade quilts bearing the seals of armed forces branches will also be donated for a silent auction, those proceeds will go toward helping pay for powwow head staff and visiting drum groups. 

“Everybody has been very gracious to help make this possible,” Eagle said.