2026 Homecoming Week | Pawnee Indian Veterans Organization

Multi-Day Homecoming Powwow: The core cultural celebration began on Thursday, July 4, at the Mose Yellowhorse Memorial Field. July 1, 2026, the Pawnee Nation Diabetes Prevention Program sponsored and hosted a Health Fair to include many organizations focused on healthy families. The Pawnee Nation released early at noon on the same day in recognition and preparation for the Homecoming celebrations. The Pawnee Nation Tax Commission and Enrollment Office remained open to the public for services from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

July 2, 2026, the day began with the Pawnee’s cornerstone flag raising ceremony to honor Lester Suneagle. Each morning, a specific veteran’s family flag is raised to fly over the campgrounds for the day. At the end of the daily session, the flag is formally returned to the family. The Pawnee Business Council hosted a community gathering featuring pulled pork sandwiches on July 2, 2026. This community meal kicked off the celebratory weekend for the celebratory week. 4Bands Market continuously held store-front hours to the public throughout the Homecoming week. The Museum of the Pawnee Nation also held open hours to the public from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

July 3, 2026, the flag raising was dedicated to Sidney Moore Jr. The Stonewolf Casino ended the evening with a free concert to the public.

July 4, 2026, the flag raising ceremony was dedicated to Grant Gover. At 8:00 a.m., the Pawnee Nation Diabetes Prevention Program hosted the Hawk Chief Run, an annual 5K race and 1-mile fun walk held at the PN Wellness Center. The run honors Hawk Chief, a legendary runner and distinguished, 9-century Pawnee scout. The day was stacked with different activities, including the 4th of July celebration square games, the Homecoming games, the 4th of July Parade, and the Veterans Handgame.

July 5, 2026, the ceremonial final flag raising was in honor of Mad Bear. This last day ended with a Veterans Taildance at the Pawnee Nation Roundhouse located at 806 Morris Rd., Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Contest Winners | Men’s Traditional Grass: 3rd Kiowa Harrison Daugomah #229, 2nd Russell Harjo #233, and 1st Eugene Espinoza #295

Men’s Straight: 3rd Josh Big Bear Hand, 2nd AJ Leading Fox, and 1st Marlin Miller

Men’s Fancy: 3rd Ryland Moore #247, 2nd Thunder Lieb #222, and 1st Jude Yarholar #226

Golden Age Men: 3rd Robby White #2XX, 2nd Eddy Eppler #255, and 1st Pete Moor Jr. #23X

Women’s Fancy Bustle: 3rd Heaven Pahsetopah #304, 2nd Natha Little Crow #216, and 1st Kailayne Jensen #281

Women’s Buckskin: 3rd Nizhoni Childs #215, 2nd Telly Lieb #300, and 1st Maria Cornell #202

Women’s Cloth: 3rd Xeneca LeClair #229, 2nd Tabe Naibi Tahchawiikah #284, and 1st Lexia Kent # 214

Women’s Fancy Shawl/Jingle: 3rd Cosetta Jake #217, 2nd Tea Tahchawiikah #284, and 1st Jayda Moore #288

Jr. Girl’s Buckskin: 3rd Michea Cornell #136, 2nd Layla Leading Fox #126, and 1st Tayja Hall #137

Jr. Girl’s Cloth: 3rd Nora Feathers #148, 2nd unidentified #193, and 1st Audrey Sky Fields #171

Jr. Girl’s Fancy Shawl/Jingle: 3rd Jianna Jones #142, 2nd unidentified #125, and 1st Railee Primeaux #156

2026–2027 Pawnee Indian Veterans Princess: Danessa (Dani) was officially crowned on Friday night, succeeding the previous princess, Skye Che K’o Manyimi Harragarra-Harms.

Role Duties: Traveling nationwide to represent the Pawnee Veterans Organization and the Pawnee Nation at powwows, tribal civic events, and cultural gatherings.

For more information about the Pawnee Indian Veterans Organization or for questions about the 2026 Homecoming Celebration Week, please visit the PIVO Facebook.