Northwest Powwow celebrates Native American culture

powwow med

A "tiny tot" division dancer is shown participating in last
year's Northwest Powwow. The popular event returns to
Bearcat Arena Saturday, Oct. 20, for the fourth consecutive
year. Admission is free. Grand entries are scheduled for
1 and 6 p.m.

MARYVILLE, Mo. -- The fourth annual Northwest Powwow will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, at Northwest Missouri State University's Bearcat Arena in Maryville. Grand entries will be at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The free event is open to the public.

The powwow will feature singing, drums and scores of dancers in full regalia competing in such categories as traditional, buckskin, grass dancing, fancy dancing, jingle/fancy shawl and jingle dress. Age and gender categories include "tiny tots," juniors, women, men and "golden age."

For the second year in a row, the powwow will include the presentation of the University's Native American Scholarship, which is supported by private donations and proceeds from the sale of powwow T-shirts and other items. The scholarship was made possible through a major gift to the Northwest Foundation by alumnus Earl Shelton ('49).

This year two $1,000 awards will be made to upper-level students (juniors or seniors) enrolled at Northwest. Recipients must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 and demonstrate a commitment to preservation and respect for Native American culture.

Those attending this year's powwow are encouraged to help support the scholarship. For information about making a donation to the Northwest Native American Scholarship Fund, call the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or visit the Alumni and Friends Web page at www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni.

Dancers from throughout the Great Plains are expected to attend this year's powwow, which is offering a combined purse of about $5,000 in prize money.

Nationally recognized powwow veteran Steve Byington will serve as arena director, and the popular Manny King returns as master of ceremonies. Drummers and singers include Little Soldiers and the Young Omahas. Head man dancer is Chris Whitewolf, and head lady dancer is Rebecca Jamison.

As in past years, there will be plenty of intertribal dancing for all participants. Since the dancing continues uninterrupted throughout the event, spectators should feel free to enter and leave the arena at will.

Traditional Native-American concessions, such as fry bread, Indian tacos, meat pies and "prairie dogs" (hotdogs wrapped in fry bread) will be available for sale, as will Northwest Powwow T-shirts and posters. All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. Contributions to the drums to cover traveling expenses are appreciated.

The powwow is sponsored by the University's Intercultural and International Center and the Office of Campus Activities, the Office of Student Affairs and a Northwest Culture of Quality grant. For more information, call Dr. Barbara Crossland at 660.562.1776 or e-mail barbara@nwmissouri.edu.

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone (660) 562-1704
Fax (660) 562-1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

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