All are welcome to join the Native American two-spirits community for the 12th annual “Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirit (BAAITS) Powwow” at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. The “Two-Spirit Powwow” celebrates traditional Native American culture and also provides a gender-affirming experience for the diverse two-spirits community, the LGBT community, and allies. The 2023 event takes place in FMCAC’s Festival Pavilion on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The free “Two-Spirit Powwow” is open to all (Native American and non-Native) and features performers from every tribal nation in traditional Native American regalia (clothing), dancing, singing, drumming, contests, and joyful celebration. On-site vendors sell frybread, buffalo burgers, Native art and jewelry, and other items. See the powwow day schedule below and visit the BAAITS web site for information on Powwow week events (January 31, 2023 to February 4, 2023) at different locations; including a film festival, talking circle, mixer, and brunch.

The powwow is also livestreaming (starting at 11:30 a.m. on February 4, 2023) on the BAAITS Powwow YouTube channel.

Free Admission (Donations are welcome!)

Powwow Day Event Schedule for Saturday, February 4, 2023:

10:00 a.m. Native Market & Food
10:30 a.m. Dancer / Drum Registration
11:00 a.m. Gourd Dance Exhibition
12:00 p.m. (Noon) Grand Entrance
12:10 p.m. The Ohlone Sisters
6:00 p.m. Closing Song

Powwow Performers & Participants —

MCs:  Coy McLemore (Kiowa) & L Frank Mariquez (Tongva / Ajachmem)
Arena Director: Erik Kimple
Head Gourd: Matthew Reed (Osage / Laguna Pueblo)
Head Dancer: Faithlyn Seawright (Chickasaw / Choctaw)
Head Dancer: Sean Snyder (Dine / Southern Ute)
Head Tabulator: Shea Trimble Norris (Oglala Lakota / Cheyenne River Lakota)
Host Northern Drum: All Nations Singers (San Francisco Bay Area)
Host Southern Drum: Southern Pride (Jay, OK)