Edmonds College and the Native American Student Association invite the public to celebrate the 29th annual powwow, “Honoring Veterans: Past, Present, and Future,” May 2-4
04/28/14
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Edmonds College’s Native American Student Association hosts its 29th annual powwow, “ Honoring Veterans: Past, Present, and Future,” May 2-4. The powwow brings together students, families, and communities to celebrate American Indian singing, drumming, dancing, and arts and crafts. It will be held in Seaview Gym on campus.
Dance and drum ceremonies start at 7 p.m., Friday; 1 and 7 p.m., Saturday; and 1 p.m., Sunday. During intermissions from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, there will be Native storytelling.
This event is free and open to the public. This is a contest powwow; all dancers and drums welcome.
The college is committed to providing culturally enriching educational opportunities throughout the event through traditional storytellers, elder performances, and healthy and sustainable options of traditional foods.
Powwows are social gatherings — open to all people — celebrating American Indian tribes' traditions, styles of dance, songs, families, and friendships. Dancers and drummers come to the college's powwow from tribes throughout the Northwest and United States, including locally from the Muckleshoot, Lummi, and Tulalip tribes.
This year, musician and educator Arlie Neskahi, of the Dine' (Navajo) Nation of New Mexico, is the master of ceremonies. He is well known for his performance, composition, and knowledge of traditional music. The college also welcomes arena director, Peter Jo Olney of Yakama Nation; head men's dancer, Mickey Mason; head women's dancer, Anna Haala; and host drum, 206 Drum Group (Friday) and new host drum will be selected at each grand entry (Saturday and Sunday).
In addition to hosting the annual powwow, students and employees participate in a variety of environmental, service-learning, and cultural activities throughout the year that support local tribes and tribal members.
For more information, call 425.640.1562 or go to www.edmonds.edu/powwow. Find directions to campus.