Students invited to look in Native American culture
The Native American Student Council (NASC) has spent this week involving USU students in a celebration of Native American culture. These events include the 36th annual Pow Wow, Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. in the Nelson Fieldhouse.
The council is lead by Krystle Grant, senior majoring in psychology from the Ute tribe. Other members of the NASC originate from the Navajo and Cherokee tribes.
The festivities, planned by the NASC, began Tuesday with the Miss Indian USU Pageant. Four members of the NASC competed for the crown and title as Miss Indian USU. Each contestant is required to perform a modern and traditional talent, a cultural presentation and answer a slew of impromptu questions. The four will be presented at the Pow Wow.
NASC adviser Sam Curley said not only will the pageant contestants be announced but the Pow Wow is an event unlike many others.
“Traditionally, Pow Wows are where warriors came together to celebrate victories through song and dance,” he said.
Jeremy Halona, sophomore majoring in business administration, said his mom referred to Pow Wows as the gathering of nations.
“It is all about being together,” he said.
Halona said an imperative aspect of Pow Wows is to communicate with other people who share cultural similarities. Curley described Pow Wows as a way to find common ground.
Curley said the event starts with the grand entry where ROTC or veterans from the audience are called upon to present the U.S. and Utah state flag. He said along with the flag bearers, a spiritual leader is predetermined to be the staff carrier which is meant to symbolize all tribes. The Pow Wow planned by the NASC will follow the traditional celebration closely with music and seven categories of dance like the round dance and two-step for partners.
“People were calling all the way from Portland to sell their jewelry. News of Pow Wows travels fast,” she said.
Concessions will be selling fry bread, Indian burgers, a traditional stew and Navajo tacos, said Lino Footracer, senior majoring in sociology.
Grant said the food at the Pow Wow is definitely worth trying.
“I eat Indian burgers every time I go to a Pow Wow. They are really good and usually pretty huge,” Grant said.
Grant said an Indian burger is like an American hamburger with a larger patty on fry bread.
Curley said the NASC invites everyone to participate.
“The Pow Wow is for everyone. It is a way to cross bridges and we invite everyone in the community to experience it. We will explain what is acceptable at Pow Wows and that picture taking without permission is not in the protocall,” Curley said.
Grant said members of the NASC are also available to answer any questions the public has about Native American culture.
Lilian Lopez, junior in social work, said,
“Everyone thinks that since it’s Native American Student Council, Native Americans are the only ones who should get involved. Truth is, anyone can be a part of us.”
General admission to the Pow Wow is $3, $2 for senior citizens and free for children under 7. USU students who bring I.D. are admitted for $2.
–catherine.meidell@aggiemail.usu.edu