Murrow's Annual: More Than a Century of Caddo Tradition

May 2025

Murrow's Annual photo by Jay Kaulay

The sounds of drumming, singing and dancing marked another successful year for one of the Caddo people’s most cherished traditions. The 124th Annual Murrow's Dance, held this past June, brought together generations of Caddo people to celebrate through song, dance, and community gathering.

The Murrow’s Annual Legacy

What began in 1901 has evolved into one of the longest continuously running Native American cultural gatherings in Oklahoma. The Murrow's Annual Dance represents a unique blend of traditional Caddo ceremonial dances and powwow elements that honor both ancient traditions and contemporary expressions of Caddo identity.

Kelly Factor and family enjoying the Caddo Dancing at Murrow's Annual. Photo by Jay Kaulay

"There's nothing like spending the afternoon Caddo dancing and kicking off the evening with the Caddo Drum dance continuing til late into the night stomp dancing and morning songs," reflects Kelly Factor, current Vice-Chairman of the Caddo Nation, whose family has deep roots in the event's history.

A Family Tradition

For Factor, the annual dance is more than just a cultural event—it's a family legacy. As the great-granddaughter of Ralph and Ellen Murrow, for whom the gathering is named, she carries forward a tradition that spans five generations.

"I along with many relatives and cousins grew up attending and camping at Murrow's," Factor shares. "We have such great childhood memories and continue to make more."

The grounds where the dance is held have been a place of gathering for the Murrow family and the broader Caddo community for over a century. What makes this celebration particularly special is how it has maintained its family-centered approach while welcoming participation from the wider community.

Honoring Those Who Came Before

Factor reflects on the memories of cherished elders who have passed on but whose presence is still felt at the gathering.

"I miss our elders that brought such fond memories such as Aunt Helen Tate, Aunt Alice Weller, Aunt Grace, Aunt Madeline, Uncle Lyman, Uncle Jessie Smith, Uncle Warney Weller, mama and many many more," she notes.

These elders not only led the dances and songs but also passed down stories that became part of the Murrow's experience. Factor recalls with amusement how the elders would warn the children "to not go past the tree lines because deer lady or Bigfoot would get us.”

Cultural Collaboration

Each year, the Caddo Culture Club and O-Ho-Mah Lodge Singers and Dancers participate in the event. This collaboration highlights the importance of inter-tribal relationships and mutual respect for cultural traditions.

Looking to the Future

While the dance honors the past, it also looks toward the future of Caddo culture. Factor expresses particular pride in seeing younger generations in attendance.

"I love seeing our youth learn the songs and language and thank you to the culture club and to Alaina Tahlate for all the work you're doing to help keep our language alive and strong," she says.

The Caddo Language Program and Culture Club have become integral parts of ensuring that what happens at Murrow's Dance is not merely a performance but a living tradition that continues to evolve while maintaining its core cultural significance.

Murrow's Annual

Murrow's Annual differs from many other powwows in significant ways. Traditional Caddo dances form the foundation of the gathering, with the Turkey Dance and the Drum Dance being particularly important components.

The Turkey Dance, performed during the day, involves women dancing in a circular pattern, mimicking the movements of turkeys. The Drum Dance marks the transition from afternoon to evening activities and is followed by Caddo social dances and stomp dancing that often continues until sunrise, when morning songs welcome the new day.

Unlike competitive powwows where dancers might compete for prizes, Murrow's Dance emphasizes cultural participation. The focus remains on community building and maintaining connections to ancestral practices.

The Dance Ground

The dance ground itself is considered sacred space. Located near Binger, Oklahoma, the site features a central circular dance-ground. Surrounding are family camps. Many families return year after year to the same camping spots, creating a sense of continuity and belonging that spans generations.

A Continuing Legacy

As the Murrow's Annual looks toward its 125th anniversary this summer, the significance of this event cannot be overstated. In a world of rapid change, the dance represents something enduring—a touchstone for Caddo identity and an example of vibrant Caddo cultural traditions.

"We are blessed to be Caddo and to continue our ways and traditions," Factor concludes, expressing a sentiment shared by many who gather each June to dance, sing, remember, and create new memories that will sustain the community for generations to come.