Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska to host annual New Year’s Sobriety Powwow
By EARL HORLYK – Sioux City Journal, Iowa (TNS)
WINNEBAGO, Neb. — While New Year’s Eve is synonymous with drinking, the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) would like people to end 2024 on a more uplifting note.
Owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, WCHS — consisting of both the Twelve Clans Unity Hospital and the Winnebago Public Health Department — is hosting a New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow, beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Whirling Thunder Wellness Center, 205 Bluff St.
“We want to give everyone a safe and fun way to celebrate the holiday,” Winnebago Public Health Department (WPHD) Recovery Director Victor Gehrig explained.
Gehrig began his position with the WPHD seven months ago. This will mark his first Sobriety Powwow in Winnebago.
Luckily, he is working with WHPD Health Educator Felicia Masquat, who has been involved with the last three Sobriety Powwows.
“Actually, the tribe has been involved with Sobriety Powwows for more than 25 years,” Masquat said. “It is an important annual event that brings our community together.”
It’s also family friendly, starting at 6 p.m. with a meal in addition to registration for traditional dance competitions.
According to Masquat, this is a pivotal component to any Powwow.
“It allows us to celebrate our heritage,” she said.
Following an official grand entry procession at 8 p.m., the dance contest is broken into categories for men, age 18 – 54 and 55 plus, in traditional, grass and fancy feather.
Women age 18 – 54 and 55 plus, can dance in traditional, jingle and fancy shawl categories.
There are even similar categories for teen boys and girls, age 13 -17; junior boys and girls, age 7 – 12; and tiny tots, ages 6 and under.
“The competition for kids takes place right away,” Masquat noted with a laugh. “The little ones may be asleep well before midnight.”
Cash prizes will be given to the top three contenders in each of the dance categories. There is also a separate drum competition.
“You might be able to make a little money on New Year’s Eve,” Gehrig said. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Masquat said past Sobriety Powwows have attracted as many as 100 dance and drum contestants and as many as 300 people in general.
“We invite everyone,” she explained. “It doesn’t matter what tribe you’re in or whether you’re a Native. This really is a celebration for everybody.”
For Gehrig, such community events provide a positive experience during a time when many people struggle.
“You don’t need to drink to have a good time,” he said.
Masquat looks upon every Sobriety Powwow with a sense of pride.
“When we have our final countdown at the midnight hour, you always feel good,” she said. “You know it will be a good year up ahead.”
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