MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State University Native American Center and Club will host the 35th annual Spring Honor Dance & Powwow celebration on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, in the Minot State Dome.
In addition to the powwow, on Friday, April 25, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Minot State Dome, MSU will host an educational program titled “Kennedy Bruce (Porcupine Woman) Cultural Teachings.” The program was named after former Native American Club president Kennedy Bruce, who passed away from cancer in 2015. Attendees can learn about the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, a North Dakota tribal nation. The program will feature Ojibwe teachings by Alex Decoteau, the cultural teacher at Turtle Mountain School, and his high school language students. This cultural experience is suitable for students in grades 4 through 8 and aligns with North Dakota Native American essential understandings.
Then, on Saturday, April 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the Plum River Native Prairie Family STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) Day event will take place at the Plum River Site (formerly the Erik Ramstad school location). Family STEAM Day will feature hands-on exhibits showcasing science, technology, engineering, art, and math from MSU programs and community partners. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Minot State Dome.
What is a powwow?
It is called a Ni-mi-win in Ojibwe, meaning a celebration of life. A powwow is a time when people of all ages gather to sing, dance, renew old friendships, make new friends, and share the beauty of native people with everyone. There are basically two types of powwows: traditional and contest. Minot State University’s powwow is a contest powwow, part of a powwow circuit, and drums/dancers from across the United States and Canada attend powwows. There are different dance categories and age groups, from toddler to elder.
What will you see?
- A dance arena — a circle — represents the totality of learning in a lifetime.
- Drums — it has its own life. It is made from two living things: wood and hide. The drum is treated with respect and should only be used by the owner(s).
- Grand Entry is a parade of dancers and opens the powwow. Clothing worn by the dancers is called regalia or outfits.
“This is our 35th year of honoring graduates; in my time, I’ve been part of the celebration and honoring many students,” said Annette Mennem, director, Native American Cultural Awareness Center. “I’d like to also recognize the families who support our students and acknowledge the staff and faculty who play a part in our students’ success. This powwow is a highlight of my position at MSU, the reward from it matches the work going into it, and that makes it all worth the effort.”
Grand Entry times are Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., with an honoring of graduates at 8 p.m.
There will be craft and resource vendors on site. This event is free and open to the public.
