Tradition takes stage at powwow

by rachel Jenkins

The Daily

Sequined, painted and literally streaming with beads, hundreds of American Indians from as far away as Oklahoma congregated in the HUB Ballroom Saturday to submerge their senses in American Indian culture.

Coordinated by the UW First Nations Chapter and the American Indian Student Commission (AISC), bi-annual powwows have been organized by UW every year since 1971.

From an elevated platform decorated by a Star blanket -- a symbol of honor -- the Master of Ceremonies narrated the spectacle. At UW powwows, these purple and gold quilts, a tradition of the Lakota Nation, are meant to embrace both native and UW pride, according to attendee Christine Emery, who is part American Indian.

Small clusters of competing drummers gathered at the edges of the room, beating the rhythmic cadence that typically characterizes American Indian celebrations. A large ring of spectators encircled the dance floor, watching as the formal beginning of the powwow, known as the Grand Entry, commenced. American Indian veterans led the way, followed by royalty, women, men and children.

"This ordering of procession is intended as a gesture of respect to the veterans and women," Emery explained.

Event photographers were promptly ushered away when a feather dropped from one of the elaborate costumes of a male fancy-dancer. Feathers are not supposed to drop from the garments, and when one does, a sacred prayer and dance are performed.

Dancers competed in different categories, divided by gender and age. Women's events included traditional, fancy shawl and jingle dress dances, while men competed in traditional, fancy bustle and grass dances.

According to James La Roche, director of the AISC, jingle dresses were originally medicine dresses from the Ojibue Nation. The "jingling" is produced by 365 cones made of rolled tobacco can lids attached to the garment. The tobacco was once used for healing, but is now sold by vendors or given as gifts of appreciation.

Dancers from the Polynesian Student Association also performed.

"Polynesians are also a part of the indigenous American civilizations," explained La Roche. "It's a time of celebration for natives, and anyone is invited."

Beyond the dance ring, a concession stand sold fry bread, Indian dogs and Indian tacos. Along with the tobacco, vendors sold myriad tokens of American Indian culture -- clothing, jewelry, sweet grass, paintings, drums, woodcarvings, dream catchers and white sage, a product similar to incense.

Senior Elese Washines, co-chair of the First Nations chapter of UW and of Yakama, Cree and Skokomish heritage, expressed the importance of the event.

"For First Nations, culture and education are both very important, and the powwows allow us to combine both of those," she said . "It's a good opportunity to be proud of your heritage and be part of one of the longest holding traditions at the UW."