COARSEGOLD, CA – The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians is proud to announce its 2025 Pow Wow, taking place October 10–12 at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. The Pow Wow, one of the Tribe’s largest cultural celebrations, will bring together dancers, drummers, singers, families, and friends for three unforgettable days of competition, tradition, and community connection, and all are welcome to attend.
“The Pow Wow and our traditional Hand Games Tournament is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as Chukchansi people and to share our culture with the communities,” said Chairwoman Tracey Hopkins. “This year’s Pow Wow is dedicated to honoring the Creator, through prayer, song, and dance.
The Hand Games Tournament will be an opportunity for Indian communities to come from all over to compete in our traditional ways that are deeply meaningful to us. The Pow Wow committee will be awarding thousands of dollars in prizes. This is an event open to the public to see some of the nation’s top players come from far and wide to compete for the Tribe’s top prize of over $20,000.
“I want to thank the Pow Wow Committee for providing this year’s events and representing our Tribe with culture, dignity, and Pride,’ stated Chairwoman Tracey Hopkins. “We rely on our Tribal Members who put countless hours into ensuring these events continue to be a priority within our culture as Indian people.”
Pow Wow Highlights
• Grand Entry: Friday, Oct. 10 at 6 PM; Saturday, Oct. 11 & Sunday, Oct. 12 at 12 PM
• Gourd Dancers: Saturday, Oct. 11 & Sunday, Oct. 12 at 11 AM
• Bird Singers: Saturday, Oct. 11 at 5 PM
• Dance Contests, Drum Contests, and Hand Drum Contests
• Cornhole Tournaments, Raffles, Arts & Crafts, and Food Vendors
Hand Games Tournament Highlights
• Main Tournament: $20,000 First Place Prize; registration Saturday, Oct. 11, 12–2 PM ($150 entry fee)
• Bone Hog Tournament: Friday evening, Oct. 10, $2,500 First Place
• Kids Tournament: Saturday morning, Oct. 11, $1,500 First Place
• 4-Man Tournament: Saturday, Oct. 11, $2,500 First Place
• Sunday Shootout: Sunday, Oct. 12, Featuring Jacob Joe & Talon Tohtsoni vs. Dantana Dick & Jason Cullooyah
Thousands in cash prizes will be awarded across hand games competitions.
A Family-Friendly Celebration
In addition to all the competitions, the weekend will also include a special kids’ hand games tournament with cash awards, making the event fun for younger participants as well. With arts & crafts vendors, food booths, raffles, and family activities, the Pow Wow offers something for everyone. Families from across the region are invited to attend and participate in this celebration of culture and community.
Venue & Accommodations
The Pow Wow and Hand Games Tournament will be held at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, 711 Lucky Lane, Coarsegold, CA. Hotel reservations are available by calling 1-866-794-6946 (use code 1683368 for Pow Wow rate). Dry camping will also be available in designated areas.
The Pow Wow will be located in the front parking area of the Casino and the Hand Games Tournament will be on the back side of the Casino in the Concert Venue area.
A Celebration of Living Tradition
With its drumbeats, songs, and the spiritual energy of dancers in regalia, the Pow Wow offers a chance to experience Native culture firsthand. Hand games, one of the oldest traditional competitions among Native peoples, bring together strategy, skill, and community spirit in a way that connects generations past and present.
For additional details about the Pow Wow, contact powwowinfo@chukchansigold.com.
For Hand Games Tournament details, contact Tournament Director Sam Lawhon, Jr. at (559) 999-6983 or the Powwow Committee @powwowcommittee@chukchansi-nsn.gov
The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe that has lived continuously in California’s Central Valley and Sierra Foothills for thousands of years. Today, the Chukchansi Tribe operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino on its ancestral territory in Coarsegold, California. The casino employs over 1,200 individuals making it one of the largest employers in Madera County. For more information on the Chukchansi Tribe, go to: http://www.chukchansi-nsn.gov
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