EDUCATION
Rhythm and regalia City’s first social powwow in years drew dancers and families from across the Southwest
BY MONICA D. SPENCER
M
ARICOPA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S GYMNASIUM WAS awash in vibrant colors, song and dance during the city’s first social powwow in years. Families traveled from across Arizona and neighboring states for the gathering, which featured traditional dancing, singing and food vendors serving favorites like fresh frybread. “This is what I was going for, just to bring everybody together,” said PTO President Tylor Arthur, who helped organize the event. Comanche Red served as the powwow’s Southern host drum group, performing songs rooted in Oklahoma-style singing traditions. Singer Garrett Tahmahkera, who is from Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, said the group includes members from several tribal communities, including Navajo, Apache and Comanche backgrounds. “It just makes you feel good,” Tahmahkera said of the singing and dancing.
InMaricopa.com | June 2026
June 2026 | InMaricopa.com
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