NIU to host pow wow Nov. 6

Native American students at NIU will host their 12th annual Native American Pow Wow from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, in the Campus Recreation Center.

This year’s event will feature traditional dancing and drumming, storytelling and crafts. Admission is free.

“Pow wows are an important part of many nations’ traditions, having both cultural and spiritual significance,” event coordinator Rita Reynolds said. “Our event is a traditional pow wow, intended to promote friendship and understanding, and is open to all.”

The day’s events include the Grand Entry, a display of the Native American flag, the American flag and the POW-MIA flag, which will honor Native Americans and all veterans. It will take place at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m., with participants in full regalia.

Drumming and intertribal dancing will take place in the inner circle until 6 p.m., featuring lead dancers Nick Hockings and his daughter Nicole. There will be a special presentation by Aztec dancers from 6 to 7 p.m.. Intertribal dancing will resume following the evening Grand Entry and will continue until 9 p.m. All attendees are invited to participate in intertribal dancing.

Nearly 50 vendors featuring Native American food, jewelry, pottery, beadwork, moccasins, artwork and more will be open throughout the day.

“The pow wow has something for everyone – shopping, dancing, eating, singing, friends, regalia and an educational area,” said Reynolds, who noted that the pow wow is one of the most popular in the region, drawing about 5,000 people a year.

The event is sponsored by NIU’s Native American organization, NATIONS (Native Americans Together Insuring Our Nation’s Sovereignty). Kay Shelton is the faculty adviser for that group.

For more information, or to volunteer to assist with the pow wow, contact Reynolds at 753-0722.

10-18-04