Denver March Pow Wow

Denver March Powwow, Inc., started as a weekly event of the Denver Indian Center. In 1974 and 1975, it was entitled the Youth Enrichment Powwow. In 1977 this cultural event became a committee of Denver Native Americans United, Inc. (Denver Indian Center). The powwow committee incorporated in 1984 and no longer operates under the auspices of the Denver Indian Center.
From 1977-1987, the committee sponsored a “penny per vote” princess contest with two categories based upon age. It was one of the methods initially used to raise a majority of the funds. Individuals interested in the candidates would vote with a monetary contribution. The candidate with the most financial contributions would be crowned the Junior and Senior Princesses for the year. The committee has since moved to soliciting corporate sponsorships and foundation funding. The Committee has been selecting an outstanding young woman who has demonstrated pride and interest in her Indian Traditions. For the first time, the Committee asked a young man to represent them. Mr. Johnnie “DJ” Johnson is currently serving as the Denver March Pow☆Wow Ambassador. He is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and resides in Kirtland, NM with his parents.
As the event gained in stature and interest, a larger location was needed to stage the event. The Denver stock Show Arena was utilized in the early days of the event. However, the Denver Coliseum is currently being used. As a means of generating revenue for the Annual Powwow vendor spaces were sold and a gate admission was charged. The vendor space was sold to Indian crafts persons to market their merchandise to the general public. This part of the even has grown in size and attracts one of the largest number of collectors of authentic Indian-made crafts.