Native American Student Organization revives WMU Pow Wow

Participants in a 2003 WMU Pow Wow

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—After nearly a decade-long hiatus, the spectacular pageantry and artistry associated with a traditional powwow are returning to the Western Michigan University campus.

The public is invited to attend the 2015 WMU Pow Wow from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 11, on WMU's main campus in Read Fieldhouse's University Arena. The theme for this celebration of Native American culture, "Reviving Tradition," pays homage to the 16 years of nearly annual powwows that were held on campus until 2006 and that at their peak, drew some 8,500 spectators.

Admission is free for WMU students with a valid student ID and those age 17 and under. Regular adult admission is $5.

Free parking will be available in Parking Lot 13 and Parking Structure 1. For directions to WMU or a campus map, visit http://maps.pp.wmich.edu.

WMU's Native American Student Organization, which is hosting the 2015 event, reorganized last year and has been eager to bring a Native American presence back to the campus and surrounding community.

About the event

This year's powwow will include the Ribbon Town Singers, a Native American northern style drum group based in Indiana, serving as the "host drum." That group will open all grand entries as well as other songs during the powwow. Grand entries, which involve dancers, singers, drummers and flag bearers in colorful traditional dress, are one of the few times all of the event's dancers will be on the floor together. The grand entries will be held at 1 and 6 p.m.

WMU Pow Wow attendees will be able to view drum and dance exhibitions, and browse several informational and authentic Native American arts and crafts booths. Native American food vendors will be offering a chance to try some buffalo burgers and Indian tacos.  

For more information, contact Paula Hill, WMU alumna and Pow Wow Committee member, at wmu.naso@gmail.com or (231) 649-0472.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.