July 23-August 1, 2027
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July 23-August 1, 2027
A Celebration of Living Culture
HONORING THE RICH HERITAGE, TRADITIONS, & CONTRIBUTIONS OF NATIVE PEOPLES TO THE AMERICAN WEST.
In 2026, Cheyenne Frontier Days proudly recognizes the Year of the American Indian, a dedicated celebration of Indigenous culture, artistry, and the enduring influence of Native communities on the American West.
This year long focus invites guests to experience vibrant traditions, powerful storytelling, and authentic cultural connection at the Daddy of ’em All.
One of the most influential figures in the relationship between Native participants and Cheyenne Frontier Days was Rose Powell Nelson Ecoffey .Named Princess Blue Water by Buffalo Bill Cody when she was just a child, she went on to live an extraordinary life. She was educated at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, counted President Kennedy among her friends, and appeared on national television. Yet for more than 40 years, one of her most important stages was Frontier Park. As the leader of the Sioux troupe at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Princess Blue Water led with quiet authority, personal integrity, and deep pride in her people. She hand picked every performer, negotiated every contract, and carried the culture forward through the Great Depression, through war, and through decades of change. Princess Blue Water remains one of the most remarkable figures in Cheyenne Frontier Days history.
In 1938, Calvin Jumping Bull came to Frontier Park for the first time. The great grandson of Sitting Bull performed as a Lakota Men’s Omaha Dancer at Cheyenne Frontier Days for more than 41 years and helped guide the Lakota dance troupe through some of its most formative years. He was an educator and mentor who brought his students from Pine Ridge to dance before packed grandstands. He worked to ensure every performer was treated with dignity and paid fairly, protecting both the culture and the people who carried it. Cheyenne Frontier Days honored him with the Silver Appreciation Badge in 1965 and named him Parade Marshal for the 100th Anniversary. He was inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame in 2004. His legacy lives on in every dancer who steps onto Frontier Park.
In January 1980, Cheyenne Frontier Days Indians Chairman Bill Stone was handed a brochure in the back seat of a car on the way to Denver. The name on it was Billy Evans Hunting Horse. Billy Evans was a seven term Chairman of the Kiowa Nation, an advocate for Native American rights, and the leader of the Southern Plains Intertribal Dancers. Stone called him and invited him to Cheyenne, and Billy Evans Hunting Horse said yes. What followed over the next 17 years transformed the Indian Village. Daily attendance grew from a few hundred to thousands. Wednesday night Pow Wows and Sunday Church Services became traditions. Champion dancers from nations across the country were invited to represent their cultures with excellence and pride. He built something that still stands on Frontier Park today. Billy Evans Hunting Horse was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame in 2022
Cheyenne Frontier Days is building a one of a kind Morning Star American Indian Village to celebrate and showcase American Indian culture. For generations, Northern Arapahoe and Eastern Shoshone performers have been part of our celebration. This new space creates a dedicated cultural home honoring Plains tribes and their contributions to Western history. More than a museum, it will be a living, immersive experience featuring dance, storytelling, artisan crafts, and traditional music, welcoming guests from around the world.
As part of the Year of the American Indian, the Daddy of ’em All Podcast highlights
the voices shaping the future of the Morning Star American Indian Village
and sharing the significance of Indigenous culture at Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Through thoughtful conversations with cultural leaders, artists, educators,
and community partners, these episodes offer insight, perspective,
and a deeper understanding of what this year represents.
Exploring the vision behind Morning Star American Indian Village
Mo Brings Plenty on culture, leadership, and representation.
Exclusive preview of the Morning Star American Indian Village.
For generations, the Indian Village at Cheyenne Frontier Days has welcomed guests to experience the vibrant culture of the Plains tribes. Through traditional dance, music, storytelling and authentic regalia, Native performers share living traditions that have long been part of the Daddy of ’em All. The American Indian Village offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, listen and connect with the heritage, artistry and spirit of Indigenous communities.