Wambli Sapa powwow to draw tribal nations, dancers, drum groups to UNO on April 27

OMAHA — About 2,000 visitors are expected Saturday at the annual Wambli Sapa Memorial Powwow, which will be free and open to the public at the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus.

The annual event celebrates traditions and culture of area Native American tribes and pays tribute to the legacy of Fred LeRoy, who worked to have the Northern Ponca reinstated as a federally recognized tribe in the late 1980s. LeRoy’s efforts led to the Ponca Restoration Act signed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990.

Wambli Sapa in Lakota means Black Eagle, LeRoy’s indigenous name. LeRoy passed in 2012.

Representatives from Nebraska tribes including the Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha), the Poᴺka, Winnebago and Santee Sioux attend the powwow that also draws people from other states. Activities last from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the UNO Sapp Fieldhouse, 6311 Dodge St.

Hosted by UNO Student Leadership, Involvement and Inclusion (SLII) and the Intertribal Student Council, the event this year is themed “Nurture the Nature.” It is to feature a traditional grand entry, remarks by LeRoy’s daughter, Rhonda Free, and cultural dance contests including more than 100 dancers participating in such categories as grass, northern traditional, fancy and jingle.

Among other event highlights are drum groups including the Omaha Rough Riders, Maza-Kute and Big Soldier Creek as well as vendors, food trucks and more speakers.