34th Annual Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow Returns to Salamanca This July
34th Annual Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow Returns to Salamanca This July
Celebrate Native American culture and honor veterans at the 34th annual Powwow, July 19–20 in Salamanca, NY.
Back for its 34th year, the Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow welcomes all ages to experience rich Native American culture while honoring service members. Showcasing Indigenous tradition, dance, arts, and hospitality, the event returns in partnership with Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Iroquois Post 1587. Mark your calendar this month for July 19-20th as we dive into what to expect during this one-of-a-kind celebration.
An event like no other, the annual Powwow reflects the beauty of the First Nations through captivating dance and storytelling. This year’s gathering will host tribal dancers from across the nation, each with unique and powerful performances. One of those highly anticipated performances includes the Smoke Dance contests. A traditional Haudenosaunee dance that involves fast paced footwork to the meticulous beat of drums, many believe that the swift spinning of the dancer’s feet resemble the curls of smoke.
While the Smoke Dance is one of the largest contests in North America, drawing in spectators from far and wide, you’ll want to carve out some time to check out the other dance contests planned over the course of the weekend. Men, women, young adults, and even toddlers will be performing various dances among Native cultures like the Fancy Dance, Jingle Dance, Grass Dance, and more. A fan favorite includes the Tiny Tots Dance Contest, which includes tribes’ youngest dancers, aged 4 years and under.
There’s never a dull moment as each contest grows in visual awe. Performers don traditional skirts, shawls, featherwork, and beading - truly powerful pieces filled with color and cultural artistry. The Drum Contests are a must, as they fill the room with a rhythm like no other, building the momentum of the Powwow and creating a strong unity among those present.
From the performances to the stunning ceremonial wardrobes, the event continues to amaze with an ample amount of over 40 Native American vendors and artists. Each vendor provides authentic Native American goods that share the unique craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation. From ornate wood carvings to the most delicately prepared beadwork, each piece is designed with a story to tell. Handwoven baskets, traditional clothing, and additional goods can be found amongst the rows of one-of-a-kind merchants.
Allow yourself some of the sweeter sides of the event by checking out the food and drinks available onsite. A variety of offerings range from traditional Native American staples to carnival favorites. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample authentic frybread or corn soup, followed by your favorite festival treat.
At the heart of the weekend, it’s important to take a moment to recognized Marvin “Joe” Curry, his service, and the many other Native American Veterans who are honored through this event. Marvin “Joe” Curry was a member of the Snipe Clan and was part of the Iroquois Post 1587. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning many medals of honor throughout his service, retiring in 1997. Stationed at one point on the USS Little Rock, the battleship is now a permanent fixture of the Buffalo Waterfront and was renovated into a Navel Museum.
This family-friendly event takes place through July 19-20, 2025 with the availability of single-day tickets or, better yet, a full weekend pass. Saturday Vendors will open at 10:00am and the Grand Entry will begin at 1:00pm. Sunday vendors will follow the same schedule; however, the Grand Entry will open at 12:00pm. Children aged 4 and younger are free to attend as well as Veterans and Active Military members with ID.
This event is to be held at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, located at 777 Seneca Allegany Blvd. Salamanca NY 14779. For further information, you can visit the event website at senecapowwow.org.