Utes Indian Annual Pow-Wow

One of the coolest things about working for Anadarko in Vernal

is their relationship with the Indian tribes. 

Many of Anadarko's wells are located on the Utes Indian Reservation

and the Midstream office, where I work, 

works closely with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for surface issues. 

The last week of June/first of July

was their annual pow-wow 

so BEG and I decided to see what it was all about. 

It is a 3 day continuous "party" if you will. 

It begins Friday at 7pm 

and continues until Sunday evening

when they stop dancing! 

It was set up like a carnival 

with food and arts & crafts booths all over. 

They all had the most elaborate and beautiful outfits, 

that were extremely noisy too! 

(they have bells all over themselves)

Lining up for the opening ceremony dance

starting of the opening ceremony 

pow-wow grounds

parading through dancing away

We got a famous Texas Twister! 

A true tee-pee that they really do sleep in! 

 We had a great time 

and are really glad that we decided to try it out. 

We were surprised by how many of the locals have never been to a pow-wow

and many tried to talk/scare us out of going. 

The Indians are known to get a little drunk 

and crazy things happen

but we were sure to get there right when it started 

and left before dark! 

We will probably never attend another pow-wow

and I must admit, 

it was never on my bucket list

but if you ever find yourself given the opportunity 

to attend a pow-wow, 

you should. 

Blake and I find it very interesting 

to witness others cultures/traditions,
even if we do not agree with it or understand what's going on!