Executive Summary
The 53rd Annual Spring Powwow is scheduled to occur on April 13th and 14th, 2024 at the Hec Edmundson Pavillion. A powwow is a gathering of Native American, Alaskan Native, and First Nations peoples. Powwow consists of cultural Native American practices such as dancing and singing. People from all tribes and nations are welcome to partake in these cultural practices, even non-natives are welcome to join and watch the dancers. Powwows are considered celebrations of culture for Native people. During the Powwow, there will be a variety of dance contests and specials that showcase different dance styles and themes, for example, this year we are hosting an MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) special.
The winners of each contest receive a cash prize. Drumming and singing during the contests is a shared duty between drum groups, who will be paid an honorarium for their participation. The event is directed by the MC, assisted by Head Man and Head Woman who organize the schedule. All three are also paid an honorarium. The 2024 Powwow is expected to cost about $90,000 in total. First Nations fundraisers throughout the year to mitigate this cost, a task we consider worthwhile if it means that we get one large-scale event focused solely on Native American culture and pride. We see an average of 5,000 people at the powwow every year; families, spectators, vendors, and volunteers. It is an essential recruitment and retention tool for American Indian students.