NASA is hosting their annual Pow Wow, a celebration of food, dancing, and culture.
Lane’s Native American Student Association will be hosting their annual Pow Wow on Saturday, April 16. The Pow Wow will be from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Bristow Square on main campus, and will be followed by a salmon bake community feast in the Longhouse.
“Pow Wows mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. One thing I can say that is consistent throughout every community that supports Pow Wows is that it’s a time to gather, a time to celebrate and a time to enjoy being around each other,” NASA staff advisor Lori Tapahonso stated. She spoke about Pow Wows being inclusive events meant for everyone. “A lot of visitors are afraid that this is something just for Native Americans or indigenous folks, it is not. It is very much for community. It’s for gathering, it’s for reconnecting, it’s for socializing.”
The Pow Wow will include art, food, dancing, and a chance to learn about culture and history. According to NASA’s website, vendors include Native/general crafts, arts, Native commercial products, food booths, and Native/general books. Tapahonso spoke about the popularity of the fry bread that’s been available at past Pow Wows. Applicable vendors do need to comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. Vendor applications are open until March 31.
Covid-19 has changed the structure of NASA so instead of a Pow Wow committee, all the students involved in NASA have stepped up and organized this event. The general Longhouse Community has also joined in to support, which, according to Tapahonso, “includes anyone who wants to support the students. We have members that come from 45 miles away to attend meetings every week. We have elders all the way down to children. And there is no campus boundary. These are dedicated folks who are committed to serving first the self-identifying Native American students at Lane.” NASA has about 10 committed Longhouse community members and 15 students working to bring the Pow Wow back.
Mask protocol for the Pow Wow will depend on what Lane Community College requires at that time. Mask mandates in Lane County were lifted on March 12 but they are still required on campus at Lane, at least until the end of winter term. On masking, Tapahonso stated that regardless of mask policy there will be a lot of folks still wearing masks. “The last two years in a lot of tribal communities has been extremely devastating and so taking on that personal responsibility for ourselves as caretakers within our communities and within our homes. Even within Eugene taking care of other people is something that a lot of indigenous folks feel strongly about. And so even if there isn’t a mask mandate, a lot of folks will be wearing masks for that reason. To be kind, considerate and compassionate neighbors.”
This is the first Pow Wow in two years in the region. Tapahonso expects there to be a lot of people in attendance. Because of the amount of people expected NASA is hosting the event outside for the first time — renting a tent so the celebration can continue rain or shine. Previous Pow Wows used to go all day and late into the evening, with dances ending around 10 p.m. This year, however, will only include the day session, ending before the sun sets. The Grand Entry, when all the dancers walk out, starts at 1 p.m. Throughout the day there will be different dance categories including inner tribal. “Where anyone, visitors, anyone who feels like they want to dance and move and get out there can do that,” Tapahonso explained.
For first-timers a list of Pow Wow etiquette is available. Tapahonso also talked about the emcee hosting the event, “He’s wonderful about telling people what they’re seeing and explaining it to visitors so folks shouldn’t feel apprehensive about not knowing what’s going on. Just listen to the emcee. He will tell you everything you need to know.”
