Music, food, dancing set for both Saturday and Sunday

By Cameron Aalto, Ashland.news

Community members from a variety of backgrounds will gather Saturday and Sunday for the 31st annual Southern Oregon University Powwow, widely regarded as the largest student-led event on campus. The event, hosted by the school’s Native American Student Union (NASU), is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Lithia Motors Pavilion in its second year back on campus after a COVID hiatus.

A powwow is a cultural gathering in which Native American individuals and their allies come together to partake in music, food, dancing and shopping opportunities from local Native vendors.

NASU is trying some new things this year. Instead of only selling frybread (a bread made by deep frying dough and often topped with butter and sugar or honey) and concessions, NASU is branching out to selling Indian tacos (frybread with toppings like meat, beans, vegetables and cheese). During the school year, Indian tacos are a NASU specialty, alluring students and faculty alike with its captivating scent.

Another update to this year’s powwow is the myriad of new opportunities that will be provided. Similar to last year, SOU’s Samoan Club will be returning to showcase a sneak peak of their FiaFia night, a performance that leaves viewers excited for more. In addition, visitors can see a Karuk Brush Dance demonstration and a performance by Aztec Dancers, both returning to NASU’s powwow for the first time in more than three years and contributing to the intertribal nature of the powwow.

Alongside these guests, SOU will also be visited by Tori McConnell, the holder of the prestigious cultural title of Miss Indian World for Indigenous women between the ages of 18 and 25. This year, attendees will also have the chance to watch a water blessing that will honor past, present, and future water warriors for their contributions to land stewardship. This is specifically relevant with the recent removal of the Klamath dams, ultimately improving water conditions for culturally significant fish like the salmon, c’waam, and koptu. 

The event will be MC’d by SOU’s Native American Studies Director Emeritus and Elder David West, who has MC’d for NASU’s powwow for many years. This year’s arena director will again be Ivan Crain, who has been a regular supporter of the powwow. The powwow will be styled as friendly competition for junior and adult categories with Grand Entry on Saturday beginning at 1 and 7 p.m. and at noon on Sunday.

NASU will additionally host a community dinner at 5 p.m. Saturday. While all are welcome, NASU asks that no drugs or alcohol be brought into the space.

The powwow is an opportunity to gain cultural understanding and experience a sense of community. The beat of the drum entices individuals from all walks of life, and the vibrant colors of ribbon skirts can be seen from miles away. NASU invites all to take part in their cultural sharing.

Ashland.news intern Cameron Aalto is a senior at Southern Oregon University. Email him at [email protected].