Grand entry is at noon today for the National Museum of the American Indian's powwow in Washington, D.C.

The three-day event is being held at the MCI Center in downtown DC. An estimated 800 dancers and musicians representing 250 tribes and First Nations are expected to attend. More than $100,000 in prizes is being offered.

The master of ceremonies is Wallace Coffey (Comanche); arena director is Randy Frazier (Shawnee/Choctaw/Prairie Band Potawatomi). The host drum is Yellow Hammer (Ponca/Otoe). Retired Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado), whose efforts led to the creation of the museum, will lead the grand entry on Saturday.

Sponsors include the National Indian Gaming Association, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, National Geographic, Booz Allen Hamilton and NOVA Gaming.

Get the Story:
Putting the 'Wow' In Powwow (The Washington Post 8/12)
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Oklahomans will perform at national powwow (The Oklahoman 8/12)
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Relevant Links:
National Museum of the American Indian - http://www.nmai.si.edu

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