National Powwow Awards
Les Bircher Memorial Award
Les Bircher became interested in Native Americans through Scouting. He was an excellent craftsman and encouraged many beginning craftsmen to continue and to improve their work. The American Indianist Society started presenting the Les Bircher Memorial Award to an outstanding craftsperson at NPW 3. The award is now given to the top Arts and Crafts Exhibition /Contest winner at each National Powwow.
Bob Past Memorial Award
Bob Past, the son of Earl Past, was the Head Man Dancer for the first National Powwow, in Denver. He was a superb craftsman and a fine dancer. He was largely responsible for the spread of good contemporary “fancy dancing” in the eastern United States. The Mascoutin society of Chicago presents the Bob Past Memorial Award to some outstanding dancer at each National Powwow.
Tammy Conklin Day Memorial Award
Tammy Conklin day was well known and loved by many around the powwow circuit. She was the daughter of Abe and Ida Conklin, and traveled to dances all over the country. She was the Head Lady Dancer at NPW 3. One of her special gifts was her wonderful spirit of the dance that spread to all she met. The Tammy Day Conklin Memorial Award is presented by the past winners of the award to a woman at National Powwow who most exemplifies Tammy Conklin Day’s spirit.
Gordon & Janice Collins Memorial Award
Gordon and Janice Collins, of San Antonio, Texas, became interested in Native Americans through Scouting. They built their own tipi and were outstanding crafts persons. They erected their lodge at the first National Powwow in Denver, and continued to do so at every National to follow until they were no longer physically able to do so. With their warm welcome to everyone, their lodge was aptly named by others as the “home where the heart is.” The Gordon and Janice Collins Memorial Award is presented to the winner of the outstanding lodge at National Powwow.