It's great news for those who were disappointed at not having the Red Paint Powwow last year; the event will take place early next year.

The powwow is held in memory and recognition of the Chihene Apache (Red Paint People - Warm Springs Apache).

Jon Gonzalez, Red Paint Tribal Council member, confirmed that the 8^th annual Red Paint Powwow would take place Jan. 20-22, 2012, at the Western New Mexico University Intramural Gymnasium. The Contest Powwow, Drum Contest and Hand-drum Contest will feature Native Americans from throughout the Southwest, with some contestants coming from other parts of the country.

Fifty percent of the net profits will go to WNMU for scholarships.

Friday, the first day of the event will be Kid's Day, with storytellers and dance demonstrations for students and their teachers. The Indian Market will open at 9 a.m. and performances will begin at noon, with Apache social songs and dances, and a hand-drum contest sponsored by the WNMU Native Club.

Friday evening at 6 p.m. a Native Arts Benefit Concert and Fashion Show will take place at the Fine Arts Center Theatre at $15 a ticket.

Saturday, the Indian Market will begin at 9 a.m., with Gourd Dancing to take place at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The Contest Powwow begins at 1 p.m. Saturday and repeats at 7:30 p.m. with Grand Entry, featuring the posting of the colors and contestants circling the gym in their performance regalia. Hand-drum contest finals will take place Saturday.

Sunday will again open with the Indian Market at 9 a.m., Gourd Dancing at 11 a.m., and the Contest Powwow beginning with the Grand Entry at 1 p.m. Awards and closing will take place at 6 p.m.

Vendors will be open inside and outside the gym, including food vendors with traditional fare outside.

General admission on Friday will be $5 person, and for students and their teachers, $5 per group for the day.

Saturday and Sunday admission will be $10 per day, with seniors and children younger than 12 years of age $5 per day.

The master of ceremonies will be Gabriel Ayala; Head Gourd Dancer, Arizona Territory Gourd Society; Arena Director, Tommy Spootted Bird (Kiowa); Head Judge, Derwin Velarde: Host Northern Drum, Yellow Tail, (Hopi); Host Southern Drum, Otter Trail Singers; Invited Drum, Ramblin Rose, ( Mescalero Apache); Head Man, Daryl Growing Thunder (Ft. Peck Assiniboine Sioux); Head woman, Raimey Growing Thunder (Ft. Peck Assiniboine Sioux); Head Boy, TBA Daily; Head Girl, TBA daily; Mountain Spirit Dancers, TBA.

Vendor Coordinator will be Shirley Pino of the Santa Ana Pueblo; and sound will be provided by Sounds Good Audio, Orlando Secatero, Navajo.

Gonzalez said the tribal council is trying to develop a relationship with the university, "because we want to see growth in the powwow. There are so many other possibilities for the event, from arts to health fairs."

"We're also working to secure the future of the event," he continued. "We're working on a business plan for at least five years with the university.

"Because I'm a tribal council member, it is my responsibility to see that the event grows. If we want to make it a significant event like the rodeo, the Blues Festival and Weekend at the Galleries, we have to change things and grow, as well as create partnerships," Gonzalez said. "We want to make ourselves available to the community through presentations and education. We have cultural and educational opportunities no one else can provide."

He said, although the tribal council is not a nationally recognized tribe, "we have the power and respect from other groups, including those from the San Carlos and the Mescalero reservations."

Gonzalez pointed out that the event is a strong economic development event for the area in January.

"The Department of Tourism has determined that the event brings about $1 million to the community, including hotels, purchasing fuel, food, and other products," he said. "Our budget is $35,000, so that is a good return on investment.

"I can't give enough recognition to the university for having the event on campus," Gonzalez said.

For more information visit the powwow website at www.redpaintpowwow.net . The site is in the process of being updated, so check back regularly.