WMU News

Eleventh annual pow wow set for April 8 and 9

April 7, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- More than 8,000 people are expected to turn out for the 11th annual Native American Contest Pow Wow on Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9, at WMU's University Arena.

"Handing Down Tradition into the New Millennium" is the theme of this year's event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The event is being sponsored by the Native American Student Organization and WMU.

Each spring, Native American peoples from across the country celebrate their traditions and spirituality through pow wows. The events include Native American dance, regalia, song, food and artwork. They are designed to increase the awareness of Native American culture and its impact on modern American life as well as to encourage children to learn more about Native American culture.

A highlight of the Kalamazoo area pow wow will be dance competitions preceded by grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. The grand entries feature dancers, singers, drummers and flag bearers in traditional ceremonial dress and are the only times all dancers are on the floor together.

The pow wow also will include a children's drumming program. Food will be available for purchase as well as Native American jewelry, arts and crafts, pottery, clothing and other pow wow memorabilia.

Admission to the event is $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and non-WMU students ages 5 to 17. There is no admission charge for children under 5 or for WMU students with a valid student identification card. There is a parking fee of $3 per vehicle.

For more information, contact the Native American Student Organization office at 616 387-2279.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu


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