One day in 1984, Roy Track (bot), a Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member, wanted a way to showcase the best singers, dancers and performers in Indian Country. With the rest of the Track family assisting him, he put together plans to host a pow-wow as a way to get together to sing, dance, celebrate the cultures and bring tribal communities closer together. 

In 2005, Track passed away. Since then, his son, Hawk, has continued his father’s and his family’s legacy by taking the lead in organizing what is now known as the Roy Track Pow-Wow. This year’s sponsors included the SRPMIC, the city of Mesa, Native Health and more. 

Now entering its 40th year, the pow-wow was held at the Mesa Riverview Park from Friday, October 25 through Sunday, October 27 and featured jewelry-makers, food, dancers, singers and performers. 

The Arizona Territory Gourd Society held a free Friday-night concert and also performed on Saturday and Sunday during the Grand Entry. Northern Mixx served as host of the Northern Drum, while Chris Dinehdeal served as host for the Southern Drum. Colby Afraidofhistracks (Assiniboine/Sioux/O’odham/Piipaash) served as arena director. 

“It’s a good experience in life, the attributes of giving and sharing these songs and dances,” said emcee Dennis Bowen during Sunday’s welcoming. Later, Andrew Woody from Tuba City spoke a few words before participating in the blanket dance, a dance that honors the drum. “Thank you to each and every one of you for coming out,” said Woody. 

During the blanket dance, a blanket is placed on the ground to help collect food and more offerings from the people as the performers dance.

Though the sun was extra warm that weekend, plenty of people attended the pow-wow, thus continuing Roy Track’s legacy of annually celebrating the best of the best performers, singers, dancers and drummers in Indian Country.