Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
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Not a historical dance tradition of any tribe, the Fancy Dance was created by members of the Ponca tribe in the 1920s and 1930s, in an attempt to preserve their culture and religion. At this time, Native American religious dances were outlawed by the United States and Canadian governments.

​Traditional dances went “underground,” to avoid government detection. However, this dance, loosely based on the traditional War Dance, was considered appropriate to be performed for visitors on reservations and at “Wild West” shows. Two young Ponca boys are specifically credited with developing the fast-paced dance.
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  • Home
  • Our Annual Celebration
  • Tribal Programs
    • Childcare Development
    • Community Oriented Policing
    • Emergency Management
    • Environmental Management
    • Historic Preservation
    • Head Start
    • Indian Child Welfare
    • Project Eagle
    • Hope & Recovery Center
    • Self-Governance
    • Tag Agency
    • Tribal Housing Program
    • Tribal Transportation Program
    • Tribal Youth Program
    • Tribal Victim Services
    • Water Department
    • Wellness Center
    • White Eagle Transit
  • Member Assistance
    • Childcare Development Fund
    • Child Support Services
    • Education & Training
    • Emergency Management
    • Environmental Management
    • General Assistance
    • LIHEAP
    • Food Distribution
    • Homeowner's Assistance Fund
    • Scholarship Assistance
    • Tribal Enrollment
  • Healthcare
    • Community Health Rep
    • Behavioral Health >
      • Behavioral Health
      • Native Connections
      • Tribal Opioid Response
      • Opioid and Stimulant Response Prevention
      • Medication Assisted Treatment
      • Substance Abuse Program
    • White Eagle Health Center >
      • White Eagle Health Center
      • Dental Care
      • Diabetes Program
      • Injury Prevention
      • Optometry Services
      • Pharmacy
    • Purchased Referred Care
  • Tribal Government
    • Constitution
    • Election Board
    • Ponca Enterprise Gaming (PEG)
    • Tax Commission
    • Tribal District Court
  • Updates and Events
  • Download our App