Chasenah Family Powwow Celebrates Birthday, Crowning

On Sunday, December 17, the 2nd annual Chasenah Family Powwow took place at the Apache Community Building in Apache, Oklahoma.

Chasenah Family Princess Mercedez Banderas said the powwow is a great time for people to get together.

“Because I get to see people that I haven't seen in a long time that you know are so used to staying in, and I got re-crowned, so that's another reason why it's important to me,” she said.

There was also a birthday and crowning celebration.

“It is my sweet 16,” Banderas said.

She said it feels amazing to be another year older.

“I get to, you know, celebrate it with people that I care about and people that I met throughout the year,” Banderas said.

She said her favorite part is seeing everyone come together.

“Smile, fellowshipping, breaking bread together and just singing and dancing, seeing the elders laugh and smile while they're just enjoying the powwow.”

She said it’s the first time they’ve had the powwow in a couple of years due to the pandemic.

Comanche Nation Princess McKenzi Sovo and other royalty attended the powwow.