Eglin Air Force Base Celebrates 36th Thunderbird Powwow

Eglin Air Force Base celebrated the beginning of Native American Indian Heritage Month with the 36th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow, held Nov. 1-3 at the Niceville Festival Grounds. The event, the largest and longest-running Air Force-sponsored powwow, welcomed tribal representatives and community members to honor the diverse cultural heritage of American Indian and Alaska Native people.

The Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow featured authentic performances and displays by Native American drummers, singers, dancers, storytellers, and craft makers from across the U.S. The event highlighted the distinct traditions, art, and history of various tribes, aiming to educate and engage the public in a deeper understanding of Native American heritage. Kirby Locklear, the powwow chairman and a member of the Lumbee Tribe, expressed pride in sharing the rich and diverse cultural heritage, saying, “Indian tribes from all over the country are represented here. They bring their own unique culture, colors, beadwork, and more, significant to that tribe’s history.”

Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, 96th Test Wing commander, addressed the gathering, reflecting on the powwow’s role in honoring indigenous legacies. “We come together to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that have graced this land for countless generations,” he said. “We honor the enduring legacies of the indigenous peoples who have shaped and continue to influence our military and our world in profound ways.”

The event marked the start of a series of Native American Indian Heritage Month observances for Eglin Air Force Base, surrounding bases, and local communities.