2026 Fall Family Night

It didn’t necessarily feel like fall just yet in Washington, Utah, but the Puow’wan Program team didn’t let that stop them from hosting the second annual Fall Family Night at Staheli Family Farm on Thursday, Sept. 18. Approximately 450 Tribal members and descendants showed up for the fun! “Puow’wan” means “family” in Paiute, and that was exactly the spirit of this great event and what was celebrated. Smiles and laughter in every direction.

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2026 Back to School Bash

It’s hard to believe the summer is almost over, but the PITU Puow’wan and Childcare programs once again brought the fun at the Back to School Bash on Aug. 3 at Pecan Valley Resort in Hurricane. The weather was perfect for an evening of swimming in the pool, lounging in a hot tub or the lazy river, or taking a turn at a little excitement on the surf machine.

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2026 Nung’wu Puha (Paiute Power) Camp

We had record-breaking turnout for the third iteration of the Nung’wu Puha (Paiute Power) youth athletic camp, which has evolved from just two activities the first year to five this year. PITU youth, ages 9-17, participated in atlatl, dance, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball. The weather was pleasantly cool for mid-July, and besides the athletic instruction, participants were treated to lunch in between activities and a raffle at the end of the day.

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2026 Tangwats Davaputs (Men’s Day)

This year’s Tangwat Davaputs (Men’s Day), hosted by the PITU Puow’wan Program, took place on Sunday, June 28, at the Iron County Shooting Range.

Coinciding with Men’s Health Month, the event included a discussion from FourPoints Health primary care provider Glen Pedersen, who handed out a “Men’s Passport,” with a list of health tests and screenings. The day also included a practical shooting competition set up by IMTG. The top winners received extra raffle tickets for a 45 Single Stack A-1, Tac Ultra pistol from Rock Island Armory USA.

Congratulations to Cody Tom, who took first place in the competition. Greg Anderson took second place and won the raffle for the pistol. Scores are available here.

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

‘Mario Monday’ Family Night

Hosted by the PITU Puow’wan Program, the “Mario Monday” family night at the Cedar Fun Center on June 22 was just about having fun.

Open to all Native American families, the event included unlimited arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, and a Smash Bros tourney for the kids and played on one of the Fun Center’s theater projection screens.

In addition to the top prize Nintendo Switch that went to the winner of the tournament, the Puow’wan Program also raffled several cool items ranging from housewares and treats to clothing and accessories — and another Grand Prize Nintendo Switch.

To read the full coverage and see the accompanying photo gallery, click here.

2026 College Prep Camp

From June 15-17, members of the Puow’wan Program took a group of 10th-12th graders to Nevada for the third annual College Prep Camp.

While in Las Vegas, students toured University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Nevada State University in Henderson. Members of the Youth Team said they were impressed with the questions the kids asked and their attentiveness.

Students also had some free time for recreational activities, including a trip to the Sphere.

To read the full coverage and see the accompanying photo gallery, click here.

2026 Mukuntuweap Fashion Show & Prayer Run

The Puow’wan Program hosted this year’s Prayer Run weekend events.

The festivities commenced on the Tribe’s 46th Restoration Day — April 3 — with an inaugural Mukuntuweap Fashion Show at the Zion National Park South Campground amphitheater featuring the styles of Sky-Eagle Collection.

On Saturday, the kids gathered at the Nature Center to partake in an Easter egg hunt after approximately 20 runners headed up the canyon to begin the Prayer Run.

To read the full coverage and see the accompanying photo gallery, click here.

2026 Mumowts’ Davaputs Tea Party

The Puow’wan Program hosted the 2026 Mumowts’ Davaputs (“Women’s Day”) Tea Party on Saturday, March 7, as a celebration of Nung’wu Mumowts’ and in recognition of Women’s History Month.

The event featured Fawn Douglas, an artist, curator, activist, and an enrolled member of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, a discussion on women’s health screenings by primary care provider Rachel Manuele, beauty stations, art and games, and of course, tea and snacks. 

To read the full coverage and see the accompanying photo gallery, click here.

2026 Love is Sacred Round Dance

The Puow’wan Program hosted their annual Valentine’s Round Dance at our PITU Gym last Friday, February 13th! It was a sweet and heartfelt get-together that featured vendors, drum group Medicine Thunder, MC Mylo Smith, raffles and more! Of course this was in addition to the free food and Youth Team soda bar. Near the end of the event, many members shared songs and some even engaged in a drum contest. To top it all off, we had a cakewalk and potato dance to close out the night.

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2026 Super Bowl Sunday

The Puow’wan Program hosted an all-star Super Bowl Party right at our PITU Gym last Sunday, February 8th! It was a fast paced game that ended with the Seattle Seahawks taking home the trophy. However it’s fair to say that the halftime show was everyone’s favorite part of this year’s Super Bowl.

Participants had the opportunity to join our fun raffles, visit the activity tables, hang out in our “Women Cave” and so much more. We also had tables for ordering fresh snacks and sweet beverages!

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2025 Winter Festivities

The Puow’wan Program worked hard to create a winter wonderland in our backyard this season! From our first ever Spaiaiyan Tom Paixay (“Cold Winter Walk”) to our Konuv’ (“Giving”) Party, it was a spectacular time.

Both events took place on Saturday, Dec. 20, starting with the inaugural Cold Winter Walk. Participants strolled around the PITU Admin Building while getting the chance to indulge in hot cocoa and fun raffles. Shortly afterwards, the PITU hosted their annual Konuv’ Party. The PITU Gym was decked out with decorations inspired by everyone’s favorite elf. From family activities to ugly sweater contests, there was something for everyone.

To read more and see the full photo gallery, click here.

Elders Turkey Day Luncheon & Bingo

It was a full house at the Shivwits Band Building on Nov. 21 for the Elders Turkey Day Luncheon & Bingo – so much so that the Puow’wan Program team had to bring out extra tables and chairs to fit everyone. We love seeing that, and we love seeing our Elders get together and have a good time.

The food was plentiful – including several potluck items – and the prizes were great as always. Congratulations to Linda Pikyavit, who was the big winner of the 50-inch TV!

To read more and see the full photo gallery, click here.

2025 Halloween Festivities

The Puow’wan Program was busy this Halloween season with activities for all ages, as well as a new event this year that was a big success!

On Friday, Oct. 24, the Native Elders had a spook-tacular time at the annual Ooo-Doo Party!

On Monday, Oct. 27, the PITU and FourPoints staff, along with community members, decorated at least a dozen trunks or displays full of candy.

Wrapping things up on Thursday, Oct. 30, was the inaugural Zombie Fun Run/Walk. Participants circled the PITU Admin Building and the Pow-Wow Grounds, while trying to dodge zombies and protect their flags.

To read more and see the full photo gallery, click here.

Thursday Night Football Party

The Puow’wan Program hosted Thursday Night Football on Oct. 2 at the PITU gym, with the showdown between the 49ers and Rams projected on a big screen. There was also cornhole, activities for the kids, the 360 photo booth, prize drawings at the end of each quarter, and a “Woman Cave” for anyone who didn’t want to watch the game.

What started out looking like a sweep for the 49ers, scoring early in the first quarter and going into the half with a 10-point lead, ended up being a nail-biter that went into OT.

Ultimately, the 49ers pulled it off by three, much to the joy of some attendees at the broadcast game at the PITU gym last night. Others were not as pleased.

And others were content to just watch Taylor Swift in the front conference room.

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2025 Fall Family Night 

The Puow’wan Fall Family Night was held Thursday, Sept. 18, at Staheli Family Farm in Washington. Wind early on threatened to disrupt the activities, but it quickly calmed down and the event was held under overcast skies and moderate temperatures.

It was a great showing at the event, where Tribal members and their families were able to play games, eat some food, go through the cornmaze, feed the animals, pick out pumpkins, get a jumpscare or two at Field of Screams, and more.

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2025 Nung’wu Puha (Paiute Power) Camp 

After the success of the 2024 Nung’wu Puha camp, the Puow’wan Program decided to expand the offerings – and the length – of the camp for this year, held at the PITU Tribal Headquarters in Cedar City on Aug. 1.

Tuiits Kanosh with Native Strong returned with more of his friends for football instruction, and he was joined by Randy July Jr with Elevate Your Game for basketball drills and full-court scrimmages, PITU Education Director Roger Clark with atlatl history and instruction, Patient Outreach Specialist Lora Tom on the putting range, and Andelin Mbaki with dance lessons.

Another difference this year was splitting the kids into three different age groups: 8-11, 12-14, and 15-17. The groups rotated through the first four activities separately before all coming together at the end of the day for the dance lessons.

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2025 Men’s Day

The PITU Puow’wan Program hosted this year’s Tangwats Davaputs (“Men’s Day”) on Sunday, June 29, at the SUU Mountain Center, about 10 miles up Cedar Canyon.

The event kicked off with a discussion of men’s health led by Justin Robbins, one of the nurse practitioners at the FourPoints Health Cedar City clinic, and included lunch and contests for ax throwing, best medallion, best war cry, and overall deadliest uncle.

To read more about the event and see the full photo gallery, click here.

2025 College Prep Camp

The PITU Youth Program team took an exciting college tour across Utah from June 24-26. Activities kicked off at Southern Utah University (SUU), where youth explored the campus and learned about academic programs. From there, the group traveled to Salt Lake City to visit Salt Lake Community College, the University of Utah, and Utah Valley University. Between tours, youth enjoyed fun recreational activities, and bonded at an Airbnb. 

To read more about the trip and see the full photo gallery, click here.

Tats Pee’soats-eng Pool Party

In Paiute, “Tats Pee’soats-eng” means “summer and kids.” And the pool party sponsored by the Puow’wan Program at Jellystone Park in Hurricane on May 30, 2025, was a great way to celebrate both!

Thanks to everyone who came out for the fun.

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2025 Auntie’s Day Out

The PITU Puow’wan Program hosted the 2025 Auntie’s Day Out — or Mumowts’ Davaputs (“Women’s Day”) — on Saturday, March 8, as a celebration of Nung’wu Mumowts’ and in recognition of Women’s History Month.

The event was led by PITU Tribal Chairwoman Hope Silvas and featured a talk by Vivienna Orcutt, a discussion on women’s health screenings by Julie Wilcken, auntie contests, and a self-defense demonstration by Sue McAley. 

To read the full coverage and see the accompanying photo gallery, click here.

2025 Sweetheart Round Dance

The PITU Puow’wan Program hosted the Sweetheart Round Dance on Friday, Feb. 21, in the PITU Gym.

The event was emceed by motivational speaker and comedian Mylo Smith and featured the guest drum group Medicine Thunder. Events included the Owl Dance, Potato Dance, a Cake Walk, and a circle song competition, which was won by Drayven Thomas. Congratulations!

To see the full photo gallery, click here.

2024 Holly Jolly Festivities

The PITU Puow’wan Program hosted two events the weekend before Christmas: the Elders Holly Jolly Christmas Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 20, and the Konuv’ (Giving) Party on Saturday evening.

The Elders enjoyed a prime rib lunch with all the fixings and a variety of desserts, many of which were brought by attendees. Lunch was followed by several rounds of bingo.

The Konuv’ Party on Saturday saw a great turnout…including the man himself! After dinner, Santa showed up, but this was no quick stop-over. Santa not only listened to the Christmas wishes of the kiddos and posed for pictures with the families, he also stuck around to judge the dance contest (and showed off some moves of his own).

To see the full photo gallery for both events, click here.

2024 Halloween Fun

Spooky good times were had this year, from the younger crowd to the Elders.

The Trunk or Treat was held Monday, Oct. 28, in the FourPoints Health parking lot, and while it was a little windy, it didn’t stop people from having fun, including enjoying treats and pizza and having a dance contest.

On Wednesday, the PITU Puow’wan Program, with assistance from the Kaibab Band, put on the second annual Elders Day party at the Courtyard Marriott. There were cake walks and costume contests, and some great prizes were raffled off. And while some of the kids at the Trunk or Treat needed convincing, most of the Elders aren’t shy about dancing.

To see the full photo gallery for both events, click here.

Nung’wu Elders Sports Day

The Nung’wu Elders Sports Day, sponsored by the PITU Puow’wan Program, was held Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Shivwits Gym. Athletes could participate in either chair volleyball or 3-on-3 rez ball. 

To see the full photo gallery and list of winning teams, click here.

‘We’re Still Here’: Paxetsi Pai Day

The inaugural Paxetsi Pai (Fish Lake) Day was held at the Twin Creeks recreation site on Fish Lake on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The weather at the event, presented by the PITU Cultural Department with support from the Puow’wan Program, was a little chilly in the shade, but deep blue skies prevailed as approximately 60 members of the Tribe gathered under the pavilion to listen to a presentation, share a meal, and visit with friends and family (and hopefully win one of several awesome raffle prizes).

To read the event recap and view the photo gallery, click here.

Nung’wu Elders Yuvan Trip

For the inaugural Nung’wu Elders Yuvan (Fall) Trip, the Puow’wan Program took the Elders to the Zion Red Rock Oasis in Rockville, where attendees relaxed in the pool and jacuzzi, enjoyed some great meals in a beautiful setting, shared stories and song, and heard a Paiute constellation talk from PITU Cultural Resources Manager Autumn Gillard.

To view the photo gallery, click here.

Kwanants Pi’yum Camp

Presented by the PITU Cultural Department with support from the Puow’wan Program, in conjunction with the Southern Paiute Bands and Zion National Park Forever Project, the Kwanants Pi’yum (“Eagle Heart”) youth camp was held Aug. 2-4, 2024. Participants learned about Paiute language skills, cultural values, Paiute oral history, and societal and community customs and norms, as well as getting the opportunity to enjoy some recreational activities as well.

To view the photo gallery, click here.

Nung’wu Puha Camp

Presented by the PITU Native Youth and Puow’wan programs, in conjunction with the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), the Nung’wu Puha (“Paiute Power”) camp was held July 19, 2024, on the campus of Southern Utah University and included football instruction from Indian Peaks Band member Tuiits Kanosh and cheerleading instruction from PITU Human Resource Director Megan Johnson. There was also a discussion of the importance of native foods from PITU Cultural Resource Manager Autumn Gillard.

To view the photo gallery, click here.

Men’s Day

Men’s Day (or Tangwats Davaputs) was held June 15, 2024, at the Iron County Shooting Range. With June being Men’s Health Month, attendees heard a presentation on preventative health measures from Glen Pedersen, the primary care physician at the SUU FourPoints clinic, followed by information on exercise and healthy eating from Jerold Kanosh, runner and cousin of Kanosh Band Chairman Simon Pikyavit. Lunch was served by Desert Rose (and pulled pork from Jerold), during which there were Best Medallion and Best War Cry contests, won by Randall Benn and Ashton Aguayo, respectively. Then, following a gun safety presentation by Mike Slayton, the “deadly uncles” tried their hands at a variety of firearms, with Cody Tom taking the Best Target Shooting award.

To view the photo gallery, click here.

2024 College Prep Camp

College Prep Camp was held from June 11-13, 2024, for students who will be in grades 10-12 for the 2024-25 school year. The students toured Southern Utah University and Southwest Technical College in Cedar City and Utah Tech University and Dixie Technical College in St. George. They also toured the PITU headquarters and FourPoints Health Cedar City clinic. But it wasn’t all serious. Students went up to Cedar Breaks National Monument for an evening and played around at Fiesta Family Fun Center.

To view the photo gallery, click here.

Auntie’s Day Out

Mumowts’ Davaputs (“Women’s Day”) was held on March 9, 2024, as a celebration of Nung’wu Mumowts’ and as part of Women’s History Month. Events included a lunch and prizes for Best Auntie Earrings, Best Auntie “Ehhh,” and Best Ribbon Skirt.

To view the photo gallery, click here.

Indigenous Family Night Out

The Indigenous Family Night Out was held on March 8, 2024, in the PITU gym and featured a performance by motivational speaker Supaman, as well as a fashion show put on by Choke Cherry Creek.

To view the photo gallery, click here.

Sweetheart Round Dance

The Tooveet-see-us-stitch Sweetheart Round Dance was held Feb. 9, 2024, in the PITU gym and included the invited drum group Medicine Thunder. Activities included the Potato Dance, Owl Dance, and a cake walk.

To view the photo gallery, click here.