A Ceremony Still Praticed | Fort McDowell Winter Round Dance 2026

Ya’at’éeh! Aaron Tsosie here — the person behind the camera.

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Fort McDowell Winter Round Dance, organized by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Youth Council and held at the Fort McDowell Recreation Center. This was a free, community-centered event, hosted indoors in the gym with access to indoor bathrooms and a community feed — a true reflection of care, generosity, and togetherness.

Everyone in attendance was offered a free Native taco with a choice of soda or water. While I ended up waiting about an hour in line (I was one of the last ones 😅), I always make it a point to acknowledge and appreciate a community feed — no matter the size. Feeding the people is an important act of respect, and that gesture never goes unnoticed. Last year’s grab-and-go setup might have allowed folks to get back to singing and dancing a bit quicker, but either way, I’m grateful the youth council made the effort.

About the Round Dance
The Round Dance originates from Plains Cree traditions in Canada, where it was given as a ceremonial practice rooted in healing, remembrance, and community responsibility. While it carries a strong social element today, it remains a ceremony at its core — one that honors ancestors, supports the living, and brings people together through song, movement, and prayer.

Because of these origins, it’s important that the round dance is guided by people who were taught these teachings directly, and who carry that knowledge responsibly.

Leadership & Singers
Our Stickman for the night was Nathan Littlechild Sr, who comes from Alberta, Canada, where these round dance traditions originate. His role carries real authority — not just because of experience, but because of where and how he was taught. Nathan is consistently trusted across Arizona to guide round dances with care, accuracy, and respect for the original teachings.

Our MC for the evening was Trevor Foster, who kept the event moving with humor and clarity, shared upcoming pow wow flyers, and showed love for the work I do documenting Indigenous events — especially across the Navajo Nation.

Invited Singers (in order of appearance):
Abe Benson
Kenneth Cozad
Jeremy “Worm” Dearly
Nathan Littlechild Jr
Dylan Jahr

This event was youth-led, well organized, and deeply meaningful. Huge respect to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Youth Council for continuing to create space for culture, ceremony, and community.

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Ahe’hee’ 🪶
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TIMECODE:
Abe Benson 00:00-10:19
Princess Intros 10:19-12:48
Abe Benson fourth song 12:48-15:58
Kenneth Cozad 15:58-26:37
Jeremy "Worm" Dearly 26:37-42:02
Nathan Littlechild Jr 42:02-53:51
Hand Drum Contest 53:51-1:09:05
Dylan Jahr 1:09:05-1:22:56