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Three-time World Hoop Dance Champion Josiah Enriquez, will be a special guest at the Spirit of Nations Powwow set for Saturday, March 28, at Jefferson County High School in Dandridge.

Enriquez, 23, claimed his third consecutive title at the 36th Annual World Hoop Dance Championship at the renowned Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, in February.

Born into a rich heritage of Navajo, Isleta, and Tewa ancestry, Enriquez began dancing and participating in ceremonies at just three years old, discovering his passion for hoop dancing at age eight.

Enriquez has spent 15 years perfecting his artistry and skill, earning multiple second- and third-place finishes across, youth, teen, and adult divisions before rising to the top of the world stage.

Beyond competition, Enriquez serves as a master instructor with the Lightning Boy Foundation and is a part of the Indigenous Enterprise, sharing Indigenous culture and storytelling with audiences worldwide through performance, mentorship, and community engagement.

Isabelle Matthews, administrator with the Lightning Boy Foundation, located in Santa Fe, NM, said, “I’m very excited for the people at the Spirit of Nations Powwow to experience Josiah’s powerful hoop dance performance! He just secured his third hoop dance title as World Champion, and I couldn’t be prouder of his dedication to perfecting his skill and setting that positive example for his students at the Lightning Boy Foundation.”

Dr. Mark Finchum, president of Indian Creek Productions, Inc., sponsor of the powwow, said, “It is truly exciting that we have been able to arrange this special exhibition for our powwow guests. I think it’s worth the price of admission all by itself. Don’t miss it!”

In addition to the hoop dance performance, guests will experience special demonstrations of traditional arts, such as basketry, beadwork, wood carving, finger weaving, and more, along with American Indian arts and crafts for sale, a Southeastern bark encampment display, activities for children, competition powwow dancing, flute playing, a silent auction, and a special performance by the Dine Tah Navajo Dancers.

Funding for the Spirit of Nations Powwow is provided in part by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Tennessee America 250 Commission, and the Jefferson County Department of Tourism.

Jefferson County High School is located at 115 West Dumplin Valley Road in Dandridge. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for children. Veterans and active-duty military personnel are admitted free.

More information is available at www.indiancreekproductions.com or on the Indian Creek Productions Facebook page. Specific questions can be directed to indiancreekproductions@gmail.com.