89th Annual Event Celebrates Rich Cultural Heritage of Oklahoma Tribes
The American Indian Exposition, a beloved tradition celebrating the diverse cultures of Oklahoma's Native American tribes, is set to make its grand return to Anadarko this fall. Scheduled for October 30 through November 2, 2024 at the Caddo County Fairgrounds, the 89th annual event promises four days packed with cultural exhibitions, competitions, and family-friendly activities.
The Caddo Nation has participated heavily in the Indian Expo since it began. This year will be no exception. McKee's will have a booth at the Expo, and several of our cultural institutions like Caddo Culture Club and the Caddo Princes will be busy participating throughout the event.
Pete Neconie, the newly appointed President of the Indian Expo committee, is working tirelessly to revitalize this historic gathering. A member of the Kiowa, Pawnee and Otoe tribes, Neconie brings a lifetime of cherished Expo memories and a vision for rekindling the event's former glory.
"The Indian Expo to me means everything," Neconie says passionately. "This is about our culture. This is about our way of life. We have so many different tribes within the area. Everything is different and we don't do enough every day."
A Rich History
The American Indian Exposition has deep roots in Oklahoma, tracing back to the Indian Fairs held at Craterville Park near Cache from 1924 to 1933. In 1935, the event was officially chartered and moved to Anadarko, where it has been a cornerstone of cultural celebration for nearly nine decades.
Neconie fondly recalls the Expos of his youth: "Until we moved away in the 80s, as soon as you drove in [to the Caddo County fairgrounds], it was packed with tents. They had their fire pits. They were cooking, they were doing everything."
The event drew visitors from far and wide. "People came from other states and other countries to see this," Neconie notes. "We rarely have that [now]."
Reviving Traditions, Creating New Memories
This year's Expo aims to recapture that spirit while adapting to modern times. Neconie and his team are working to bring back many beloved traditions:
• Opening and Closing Parades: Kicking off on Wednesday, October 30, and concluding on Saturday, November 2, both at 10am.
• Cultural Exhibitions: Showcasing the unique dances and traditions of participating tribes.
• Powwow: A cornerstone of the four-day celebration.
• Camping: Encouraging attendees to fully immerse themselves in the event.
• Competitions: Including art, dance, softball, horseshoes, and more.
• Beautiful Baby Contest
• 5K Run and Fun Walk
• Bow Shoot
• Gourd Dance Sessions
• Gospel Singing
• Big Foot Storytelling
New additions for 2024 include a carnival, pumpkin carving contest, and expanded tribal dance exhibitions.
"We're going to try to bring back a lot of things that haven't been done in a long time," Neconie explains. "Like a lot of the dancing exhibitions from each of the tribes that are participating, their cultural presentation throughout the afternoon at different locations."
Family Traditions and Cherished Memories
For Neconie, the Expo is deeply intertwined with family traditions. He fondly recalls how his grandmother, Eva Neconie, was a steadfast presence at the event. "My grandma, on my dad's side, her name was Eva Neconie, she camped regardless," he reminisces. "And there, back then, when they camped, it was you don't go home. Doesn't matter how far you live away from if you're down the street, you're moving and you camp, you stay there."
This commitment to fully immersing in the Expo experience was a value passed down through generations. "We instilled that, and a lot of us that, you know, that's a big deal," Neconie explains.
The camping aspect of the Expo wasn't just about convenience; it was a crucial part of the cultural experience. Neconie shares an insight from one of his relatives about the historical significance of these campsites: "One of my relatives mentioned to me, he said, long time ago, it used to be little, little tribal camps, like Pawnees and Otoes and the Caddos and Wichita. They all used to have the little areas that they camped in, and that would be something to see. And if we could have that..."
This image of distinct tribal camps, each with its own customs and traditions, paints a vivid picture of the Expo's rich cultural tapestry. It's a vision that Neconie hopes to revive in future events.
Among the many cultural presentations, Neconie is particularly excited about bringing back some of the more spectacular performances. "We used to have all the exhibitions, spear and shield dance, Eagle dance, Apache fire dancers used to come out there," he recalls. These dynamic displays of traditional skills and artistry were once a highlight of the Expo, drawing crowds and preserving important cultural practices.
A Celebration for All
Neconie emphasizes that the Expo is about more than just the powwow. "To me, it's not about just the powwow," he says. "This is more of we used to have all the exhibitions, spear and shield dance, Eagle dance, Apache fire dancers used to come out there. Gourd dance was one of the biggest things back then. That's where it came out. That's where they revived it was right there during the expo."
The event aims to offer something for everyone, from elders sharing stories to children participating in youth activities. "We're trying to do [these events] for the community again," Neconie says. "Because we don't do them anymore. And my biggest thing is that I would rather do that and get everybody occupied for a couple of days... rather than sitting at home and dealing with all these different issues that we have going on, trying to make something better for the community."
A Unique Experience
For visitors from outside the Native American community, the Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Oklahoma's tribes. "No other state has 39 tribes in it," Neconie points out. This concentration of diverse Native cultures in one place makes the American Indian Exposition a truly unique event.
Community Support Needed
Organizing such a large-scale event is no small feat, and Neconie is calling on the community for support. "We are looking for volunteers," he says. "We can't give them anything or promise them anything, you know. But if I can get out there, and I can push a little bit more, and I can put efforts into to make their jobs a little bit easier. Then that's what it takes."
Financial support is also crucial. "Budget is the biggest thing," Neconie explains. "Having money to run this... It takes money to make things function."
The Expo team is reaching out to tribal leaders and programs for sponsorship and participation. Tribes that donate $10,000 or more will secure a spot in the first five of the tribal lineups for the opening day parade.
Looking to the Future
While honoring tradition, Neconie also sees the Expo as an opportunity to engage younger generations. "This younger generation, for them to step up and really get involved in this, you know, it's really something, and it can be something again," he says.
His vision extends beyond the four-day event. "These are things we could do throughout the year, different times of the months, you know, for different tournaments," Neconie suggests. "So it keeps everybody doing something."
How to Get Involved
The American Indian Exposition committee welcomes volunteers, sponsors, and participants. Those interested in getting involved can attend upcoming planning meetings.
For more information or to volunteer, contact:
• President Pete Neconie: 405-402-7112
• Vice President Bambi Allen: 405-423-0788
• Secretary Jame Lyn Hamilton: 720-692-9735
• Treasurer Alan Yeahquo
As the leaves begin to turn and autumn approaches, anticipation builds for this celebration of Native American heritage. The 89th American Indian Exposition promises to be a vibrant showcase of culture, community, and tradition. Mark your calendars for October 30 - November 2, 2024, and join in this uniquely Oklahoma celebration at the Caddo County Fairgrounds in Anadarko.
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