The 56th annual Dak'éé Sí Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Fall powwow was held in Alton on Oct. 24. The story said between 30 and 40 dancers took part and between 800 and 1,000 people attended. The event began with a ceremony called the Grand Entry.
Robert Soto, 73, the tribe's vice chairman, said he started the powwow with his family in 1970 on the family's property, with their own drummers and 15 to 20 dancers. He opened it to the public in 1998. It was held in McAllen for many years before moving to Alton a few years ago. The powwow now has multiple vendors and staff and is held twice a year, in October and March.
Soto said a powwow is a time to celebrate, meet new friends and remember that Native Americans are a proud people. He said visitors came from across Texas and from other states, including Arkansas, Washington and Arizona.