By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

The Multicultural Student Union hosted the 24th annual Native American Pow Wow on Western’s campus on April 29. The Pow Wow program describes the event as, “One expression of Native American culture. It is a significant way in which American Indian traditions and culture can be presented to contemporary people, Indians and non-indians alike.”

The Pow Wow is a celebration of heritage and ancestors to pay respect to forefathers, elders, families and veterans.

“For some, the ceremonies and other events may appear to be only a form of entertainment with colorful regalia, drumming, singing and dancing,” states the program. “But the Pow Wow is far more than that; it is a reenactment of certain spiritual and emotional aspects of our humanity.”

At noon, the Pow Wow began with the blessing of the arena. By burning sage, traditional dancers Tony Whitehead and Wayne Chulik purified the arena and all of the people in attendance. Once that was completed, the master of ceremonies for the event, Nick Sixkiller asked the Grand Entry to begin, as a way to thank and honor all veterans from every battle of war.

Throughout the event, participants performed many dances, including the Welcome Dance, Blanket Dance, Men’s Fancy Dance, Men’s Traditional Dance, Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance, Women’s Jingle Dress, Women’s Traditional Dance and Jackpot Dancing. During the Pow Wow there was a dance competition for children and adults to participate in front of the audience. The Pow Wow dances were accompanied by live singing and drumming from several small musical groups, including the Woodsmen.

“It brings a lot of cultural awareness to our campus about the different communities and ethnicities we have here,” said Jovany Romero, senior Spanish and interdisciplinary studies major and co-coordinator of the Pow Wow. “Showcasing the Native American Culture is awesome. A lot of people don’t really know what a Pow Wow is, and having it here on campus opposed to somewhere else, offers easy access. The Native American culture is slowly fading, and we want to keep it alive.”

The Multicultural Student Union’s co-secretary, sophomore Shelby Brooks, a middle/high school Spanish education major, talked about why people should come enjoy the Pow Wow.

“Pow Wow is free, so everyone should come down and check it out. It lasts all day from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. We serve free Native American tacos that are made with fry bread, which is kind of like elephant ears, but without the sugar,” explained Brooks. “Everyone should check it out.”

Along with the Pow Wow dance performances, many booths were set up downstairs in the Werner University Center selling jewelry, pelts, drawings, pens, dream catchers and much more. The Multicultural Student Union will be putting on another Pow Wow next year, so make sure not to miss it.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu