Powwow: Education, entertainment, fun

A dancer performs at the 1999 Powwow at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Photo by Rex Bavousett.

To the visitor, the University of Iowa Powwow is an annual three-day event, a swirl of American Indian dancing, music, food, and crafts. To its organizers, it is a way to communicate with other American Indians and a social event in which American Indians share traditions among themselves and with people of other cultures.

At The University of Iowa, it also is a practicum course that teaches participants the traditions and culture of American Indian powwows as they dive into this unique cultural experience to plan the three-day event.

Soon, powwow culture and traditions will be explored in an interactive CD-ROM presentation developed by the UI American Indian Student Association, based on the annual UI Powwow. Now in production, the CD-ROM will help educate children, students, and people interested in American Indian powwow culture.

"The University of Iowa Powwow is one of the largest student-run activities on campus, organized by the smallest student group on campus," says Tracy Peterson, a graduate student in the School of Social Work who has headed the organizing committee for the last three years. Peterson succeeded Shirl and Orrenzo Snyder, who organized the annual event from its inception in 1989 through 1999.

This year's powwow, the 13th one held, is April 12-14 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. It's open to the public, and Peterson expects about 5,000 people to come during the three days to see elaborate regalia, hear intricate drumming rhythms, eat fry bread and Indian tacos, and browse arts and crafts vendors' wares. Organizers expect the event to attract more than 250 American Indian dancers and 15 drum groups from across the United States and Canada.

On the concourse of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the Education Committee will have a booth to answer visitors' questions during the three days of powwow. Dancers will educate the visitors about their dance styles, their regalia, and their experience in powwow culture.

"We like to share our culture with everyone and show that we're proud of our nations," Peterson says. "A lot of people coming may not know what is going on down on the arena floor, or what each dance style, regalia, or song means. Education is a major emphasis of the annual powwow."

A special free mini-performance, planned for noon April 5 in Hubbard Park, had to be cancelled because of a death in the Meskwaki Indian Settlement in Tama. Peterson says the mini-performances in previous years have taken place in the John Colloton Pavilion at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

This year's theme, "Honoring Our Nations' Warriors, Past and Present," is a tribute to all current and past American military personnel, especially American Indian veterans.

Peterson, a member of the Diné Nation from Steamboat Canyon, Ariz., was recruited by the University in 1993. He received his undergraduate degree and will graduate in May with his master's degree in social work. After all his powwow experience, he says, he'd like to find a position working in multicultural affairs and student development.

"That would be my way of giving back to our community as appreciation for what my family and the University have done for me," he says.

University students with ID cards enter free. For others, a three-day pass costs $15, or $10 for a child. A one-day pass is $6 or $5 for a child. Persons over 55 years of age pay $5 per day; a family pass is $15 per day; and a group rate for 10 or fewer, $40 per day.

Powwow is sponsored by the University and in part through a grant from the Iowa City- Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau. More information is available on the web at www.uiowa.edu/~aisa/powwow.

by Anne Tanner

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