HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Excitement is building for the 48th Annual Intertribal Powwow, taking place on Sept. 21 and 22 at the Bishop Museum. This vibrant event is hosted by the Hoʻopili Tribal Council, and it's more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of Native American and Indigenous cultures from across the world. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Led by Lisa Kaʻanʻoʻi, president of Hoʻopili Tribal Council, the council is a diverse group representing various tribes, including Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native and Okinawan heritage. Their mission is to foster cultural awareness and unity through educational programs, community events and traditional celebrations. What is a powwow? Powwows are significant cultural gatherings for Native American tribes and Indigenous groups. Historically, powwows were held to celebrate victories, mark significant events and maintain cultural traditions. Today, powwows serve as a way for people from various tribes to come together, share their heritage and enjoy traditional and modern performances. Lisa Kaʻanʻoʻi, the president of the Hoʻopili Tribal Council, explained that a powwow is “a gathering of folks from a single tribe or multiple tribes to engage in traditional and modern dances, songs, and cultural exchanges.” She emphasized that while some dances are traditional and competitive, there are also inclusive events like round dances where everyone, from keiki (children) to kūpuna (elders), can join in. The significance of powwows Powwows are more than just a showcase of dance and music. They are a living testament to the resilience and vitality of Native American cultures. Lisa Kaʻanʻoʻi highlighted the importance of these events by noting, “The powwow is a space where we can come together, celebrate our traditions, and educate the wider community about our cultures.” At the upcoming powwow, attendees can expect a range of activities beyond dancing. There will be food vendors offering traditional dishes, arts and crafts booths, and educational demonstrations. Last year, visitors had the opportunity to see a weaver’s skillful work, and this year promises even more engaging presentations. What to Expect at This Year’s Powwow This year's powwow at the Bishop Museum will be a two-day event filled with activities for all ages. According to Kaʻanʻoʻi, “There will be food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and educational booths," explained Kaʻanʻoʻi. "We’ll also have demonstrations and performances from artists and dancers who travel from different places to share their talents and traditions.” A special highlight will be the grand entry, a ceremonial start to the powwow where all the dancers and participants parade into the arena. This event usually begins at 10 a.m. on the first day, and Kaʻanʻoʻi encourages attendees to arrive early to witness this spectacular moment. For those who want to learn more about Native American culture, there will be educational booths where visitors can discover the significance of various traditions and the history of the tribes. Kaʻanʻoʻi mentioned that these booths will cover important topics like the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement and boarding school awareness, providing valuable insights into these critical issues. The 48th Annual Intertribal Powwow promises to be a vibrant and enriching event for all. Whether you are part of the Native American community or just curious to learn more, this powwow offers a unique opportunity to celebrate, connect, and honor the diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples. Click here for more information on how to join in the fun at the powwow. You can watch Kaʻanʻoʻi's full interview in the video above. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Mark your calendars for Sept. 21 and 22, and join the Hoʻopili Tribal Council at the Bishop Museum for a weekend of cultural celebration and community spirit.