Powwow Continues 34-Year USU Tradition

The 34th annual Echoing Traditional Ways Powwow took place in early March at Utah State University. It opened with a colorful grand entry of participants in traditional Native American ceremonial dress.

The two-day event continued in the George Nelson Recreation Center with exhibition and inter-tribal dancing and drumming, including an Owl Dance competition. The Owl Dance is similar to a two-step, couples dance. The event included a variety of dance and drum competitions and exhibitions, resulting in a combined cash award of $10,565.

 

Utah State’s powwow is one of the longest running powwows in Utah and a long-held tradition at Utah State.

 

“This powwow was the largest I’ve seen since I’ve been here,” said Sam Curley, Native American coordinator in Utah State’s Multicultural Student Services office. “We saw more than 1,100 people during the two day event. The powwow is a bridge between two systems and an outreach effort for USU. The success was due to the students on the Native American Student Council and the many volunteers.”

 

The powwow was planned and organized by the 20-25 members of USU’s Native American Student Council and was sponsored by Multicultural Student Services.

 

In addition to planning and organizing, the students select a head staff months in advance, including; the master of ceremonies, who educates and entertains the spectators, the arena director, who selects the drum groups and judges, and the spiritual director, who offers spiritual guidance and prayers.

 

The students of the Native American Student Council also select the Head Man and Head Lady. This year the Head Man was James Reeder and the Head Lady was his wife, Shirley Reeder. Both are alumni of Utah State.

 

“For some of these participants, the powwow is a way of life, a way to carry on traditions and pass them on to the next generation,” said Curley. “The event brings Native American families on campus and exposes them to Utah State.”

 

Festivities included a traditional dance and drum competitions in many categories with participants ranging from the very young to senior entrants. More than 130 dancers and eight drumming groups came from Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.

 

“We try to bring a variety of dancers, drummers and vendors, so there is something for everyone to enjoy,” said Curley. “The powwow is a tradition and a way to bring people together.”

 

More than 20 vendors participated in the powwow this year, the most Curley has seen. Vendors also came from a variety of locations, including, New Mexico, Arizona and Montana. The vendors sold Native American jewelry, t-shirts, arts and crafts. Indian fry bread and tacos were also available.

 

Contact: Sam Curley, 797-1765, sam.curley@usu.edu