Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Native American Student Association will be sponsoring its first powwow Saturday, April 23, from 2 to 10 p.m. at the Northwestern intramural field. The event is free and open to the public.
Savannah Francis, president of NASA and senior political science major of Tahlequah, said that community members can expect to enjoy the event in many ways, including learning about the educational aspect of powwows. Northwestern’s NASA chapter was established in 2019 to form a community for indigenous students.
“This event has been the Native American Student Association’s biggest goal since it was established,” Francis said. “When we were first starting the club, it seemed like it was a pipe dream. However, with the support of the staff and students here at Northwestern, we are achieving this milestone.
“Most people in the Alva area have never seen an event like this in their lifetime, and we wanted to bring more Native culture to the area. Our goal is to facilitate an open exhibition of Indigenous culture for the Northwestern campus and community to see firsthand. The event serves to bring people together and educate at the same time.”
Powwow Schedule
2-5 p.m. Gourd Dance
5-6:30 p.m. Dinner Break (food and beverages will be available to purchase at the event)
7-10 p.m. Grand Entry/Intertribal Dance
Head Staff
Head Singer – Fred Mosqueda (Cheyenne & Arapaho)
Drum Group – Howling Buffalo
Master of Ceremonies – Ruben Watan (Cheyenne & Arapaho)
Honor Guard – Mvskoke Nation Honor Guard
Head Man Dancer – Michael Bullet Watan (Cheyenne & Arapaho)
Head Lady Dancer – Robyn Chanate (Kiowa & Cherokee)
Head Gourd Dancer – Daniel Roberts (Mvskoke Creek & Aleut)
Stomp Dance Leader – David Francis (Mvsksoke Creek)
Arena Director – Jerika Coon (Mvskoke Creek)
The event will feature culturally knowledgeable people who will be speaking about Native American powwows. This will include the importance of regalia and beadwork, proper etiquette when attending a powwow and how social media has allowed the spread of culture.
Francis noted that this event will help to educate the community about what a powwow is and why it is important.
NASA student leadership includes Angel Marshall, vice president, senior English major of Proctor; K.D. McCleary, treasurer, senior biology-health science option and chemistry major of Blackwell; and Jerika Coon, secretary, senior early childhood education major of Sapulpa.
Dr. Aaron Mason, professor of political science, serves as the NASA club adviser.
If students want to get involved with the organization or future NASA events on campus, follow the Instagram account @nwosunasa for updates.
To have questions answered please contact Francis at (918) 207-2552 or sgfrancis98@rangers.www.nwosu.edu.
-NW-
CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480