For several years, the American Indians Studies program has hosted the Spirit of the Eagle Powwow each spring to bring the community together and highlight local tribe traditions.
This year, the Native American Student Coalition (NASC), will host a Round Dance instead of the traditional powwow The decision was made to reduce costs while allowing the club to fund future events. On average, a powwow costs about $34,000 to host, compared with roughly $22,000 for a Round Dance. The club decided at the beginning of the academic year to start a two-year fundraising cycle to bring back the Spirit of the Eagle event in the future. Most of the funding for this year’s event comes from outside donors and grants.
NASC is also adding a new element to the event: a dance exhibition. Unlike many round dances, this event will emphasize education rather than competition.
“This is going to be more learning for the community,” said Evanlene Melting Tallow, program and recruiting coordinator for the American Indian Studies program. “When people go to powwows they look at the regalia and they have no idea what it means. When we do a dancing exhibition, we will have two dancers for each one of the categories. What we are looking at is that the Master of Ceremony will talk about the history of each of the dances and the meaning behind the various types of drumming.”
Organizers hope the event will help attendees better understand cultural practices so future powwows are more meaningful for the community
The event will also feature various local vendors and a resource fair. Community members can learn about the American Indian Studies program, access support services and find information about other local events. Vendors will sell jewelry, paintings and other items and attendees can participate in free crafts such as making beaded earrings, Yakima dolls, gourd necklaces and weaving. Each activity will include information about its cultural significance The Round Dance will feature about 14 hand drummers who will sing and play throughout the event.
“One thing that is wonderful about that is that within the round dance it is a community event so anyone in the audience can come down and dance around the hand drums,” Tallow said.
Hosting the Round Dance allows the club members to share their culture with the broader community.
“It’s an honor to be able to host an event like this and share my culture with others, especially if they are open to listen and learn,” said NASC secretary Waahinhewin Williams. “Being able to share is a happy moment. It is also great to have the help of the club and our advisor, Ernestine Jim. If we didn’t have their help, there would be no events like a Round Dance.”
Public Relations officer Alyssa Kamp, the only non-Native student in NASC, said her role is rooted in awareness and support.
“I think it’s really important to learn about cultures that aren’t your own,” Kamp said. “I have a lot of inherent privilege. If I can use that privilege to amplify other voices that are often not heard, that is what I am going to do. It is not my job to be front and center at these events. My job is to help in any way that I can so that the native culture can celebrate and enjoy their time.”
The Spirit of the Eagle Round Dance will take place Saturday May 30, at the Reese Court Pavilion from noon to 7 p.m. The event will include a dance exhibition, a Missing, Murdered Indigenous Persons honoring and recognition of Native graduates. NASC is seeking volunteers; more information is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevUmjkrnfNN7M64ze-qgE6RTYxd67QXeAjfdbAorKGocD35w/viewform?usp=embed_facebook
