New York Based Groups Host Tribal Celebration In Queens: Annual Thunderbird American Indian Powwow Featuring Intertribal Dance Competition From 40+ Tribes, Art, Crafts, Jewelry

Readers may remember our coverage of tribal disputes involving land confiscation for copper mining on sacred sites to American Indian tribes.  Unfortunately, for the US Supreme Court to hear a religious rights case, the only religion with standing to petition the court is Christianity.  American Indian religious rights are not defended, and other minority religions don’t have protections either, including every religion that allows abortion – the only one to forbid it in all circumstances (even rape and incest) is Christianity. Other religious traditions, including Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and others see it as a spiritual and medical decision, not a legal one. 

This fun family celebration features a dance competition along with the opportunity to purchase American Indian arts, crafts, and jewelry, along with food options from multiple vendors there that day.  An activity-filled day with something for everyone, including hayrides and crafts for kids and adults, along with various traditional foods.  Founded by “First generation” American Indians whose parents were born on reservations, they have made it their mission to carry on their parents’ and grandparents’ traditions from their own various tribes.  The founding members themselves are members of various tribes rather than just one, and are keeping the traditions of their people and religion alive with celebrations like these and other community-building events.  See below for a slideshow of photos from this year’s Powwow, taken by our photographer, Sean Fitzpatrick:

Below is the release from the organizers in advance of the event: 

About the 47th Annual Grand Mid-Summer Pow Wow at Queens Farm Museum 2026

47th Annual Grand Mid-Summer Pow Wow July 24- 26, 2026 Queens County Farm Museum, Floral Park, NY 11004

This spectacular 3-day event is NYC’s largest Pow Wow and one of the top ten in the USA. It features intertribal Native American dance competitions by over forty Indian Nations. The Grand Entry showcases the dancers full regalia and The Sunset Lighting of the Bonfire is an enchanting event. Program features an expansive market of authentic Native American art: paintings, crafts, jewelry, weavers, embroidery, pottery, leather, feather & bead work, moccasins and huachas, drums, regalia, handmade art on items, herbs vintage items and food (fry bread, barbecue, Indian tacos)

Celebrate The Thunderbirds’ 63th Anniversary Preserving American Indian Culture at the 47th Annual Grand Mid-Summer Pow Wow at Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11004-1129 (718) 347-FARM

Gates open at 5pm Events take place 6pm-10pm on Friday July 24, 2025. Gates open at 10 am Saturday July 25, 2025 Events: 12pm to 5p, & 7pm to 10pm through Sunday July 26, 2025

Events: 12pm to 5pm. An immersive cultural experience not to be missed!

All event proceeds support Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Scholarship Fund and the Queens County Farm Museum Education Program.

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Fast FAQs:

• Advance tickets recommended as tickets are limited. Online tickets only. A ticket is required to enter powwow and craft/food market; however there is no gate fee to enter farm grounds.
• Event features dance performances and Native American Food & Craft Market. Additional fees apply for food & craft vendors (prices vary), hayrides ($6/person), and additional activities. Accepted payment types vary by vendor. There is no ATM on site.
• Bonfire is lit on Friday and Saturday nights between 8-9pm, weather permitting.

About the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers

The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers are the oldest resident Native American dance company in New York. The troupe was founded in 1963 by a group of ten Native American men and women, all New Yorkers, who were descended from Mohawk, Hopi, Winnebago and San Blas tribes. The founders were “first generation,” meaning that their parents had been born on reservations. They founded the troupe to keep alive the traditions, songs and dances they had learned from their parents, and added to their repertoire from other Native Americans living in New York. The Thunderbirds pledged to help preserve and perpetuate the culture and traditions of the American Indian people through their songs and dances, and ceremonies and to bring before the general public a more realistic picture and greater understanding of the American Indian people. Members share a commitment to raising scholarships for young American Indian students.

Banner Image: Thunderbird American Indian Powwow.  Image Credit – Sean Fitzpatrick