Celebrate our 32nd annual powwow, “Water is Life,” May 6-7

Edmonds Community College’s Native American Student Association hosts its 32nd annual powwow, “Water is Life,” May 6-7. The powwow brings together students, families, and communities to celebrate American Indian singing, drumming, dancing, and arts and crafts.

Native American dancers and musicians perform traditional dances and songs at the college's 2016 powwow.

This event is free and open to the public. Dance and drum grand entries start 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday; and 1 p.m., Sunday in Seaview Gymnasium, 20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood.

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, Robert Charles; head men’s dancer, Cyrus LaFontaine; head women’s dancer, Natalie LaFontaine; and host drum. The host drum will be selected at each grand entry.

The college is committed to providing culturally enriching educational opportunities throughout the event through traditional storytellers, elder performances, and healthy and sustainable traditional food options.

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, Puyallup, and Suquamish tribes.

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 supports local tribes and tribal members.