Artificial turf installed at Uyxat Powwow Grounds

By Dean Rhodes

Smoke Signals editor

Participants at this year’s two major powwows – the Marcellus Norwest Memorial Veterans Powwow in July and the Contest Powwow in August – will not have to worry as much about possibly twisting their ankles by landing in a hidden depression in the grass.

The Tribe contracted with C&D Landscaping of Dayton for $86,000 to dig up the 8,800 square feet of sod, lay down foundational rock and then cover it with artificial turf.

Engineering and Public Works Manager Jesse White said most of the work was performed in April and the powwow grounds is ready for the 2019 powwow season.

“It is perfectly smooth and flat,” White said. “If there are any twisted ankles, at least it will not be because of the sod.”

The Tribe received complaints about the uneven powwow grounds surface after some participants twisted or sprained their ankles while dancing, which prompted the move to artificial turf.

General Manager David Fullerton said there were a couple of incidents at each powwow over the last two years.