Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Royalty

Powwow: 

The Eastern Shoshone tribe hosts one of Wyoming’s largest powwows each June, a vibrant celebration that brings the community together to dance, heal, savor delicious food, and admire authentic crafts created by talented individuals from the Wind River Indian Reservation and surrounding areas. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the tribe’s rich traditions and cultural resilience.

At its heart, the spiritual significance of the powwow is deeply tied to the circle of life. Dancing goes beyond being an art form; it’s a form of prayer, an expression of love for the community, and a way to convey emotions, offer support, and honor the past. Whether one dances for themselves or for others, it reflects the enduring traditions and profound history of what powwows represent.

Powwows are more than just cultural celebrations—they are deeply emotional acts of resistance. They connect you to the earth, to your own people, and to other Indigenous communities, as well as to respectful outsiders. Rather than focusing on loss or pain, powwows serve as a joyful affirmation that, despite the colonizers' attempts to erase Indigenous culture, it is still alive, thriving, and evolving. Sharing this culture is not only a powerful and positive act but also a symbol of unity, survival, and joy in the face of historical erasure.

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Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Royalty:

Originally, the titles were limited to a Queen and her 1st and 2nd Attendants. In 1986, the titles of Princess and Junior Princess were introduced for the first time, but this lasted only one year. In 2007, the titles of 1st Attendant and 2nd Attendant were officially phased out in favor of the Princess and Junior Princess titles.

This event selects three girls to represent the Eastern Shoshone Tribe for a whole year. Some individuals may even serve multiple terms in these roles. The competition included a talent show, a public speaking contest, and a showcase of their dance styles. There are specific rules and criteria to qualify for these prestigious titles, particularly for the Queen position. While the core rules have remained largely the same, the original age limit of 12 and older has been revised. The current titles and age categories are as follows: Jr. Princess (7-12), Princess (13-17), and Queen (18-24)

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The Eastern Shoshone Archives is actively working on this collection that will feature photographs and information about every girl who has held these titles. This collection aims to honor their legacy and will be preserved for future display in the Shoshone Museum. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this collection and helped uncover the stories and identities of these women.

Hoo-wee-hoo

Oose