The 47th annual Oregon State University Pow-Wow is set for Saturday, May 16, at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. This free event celebrates Indigenous culture and brings the community together. It’s organized by the Native American Student Association and the Native American Long House, with support from the university’s Division of Student Affairs.
Doors open at noon, and the ceremonial grand entry starts at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy traditional dances, music, and a marketplace with authentic Native American crafts.
This year, visitors can also savor fry bread from University Housing and Dining Services, available at el Centro, right across from the Coliseum. Fry bread is a beloved staple at pow-wows. Its history dates back to the 1800s when Native Americans were given limited food rations after being forcibly relocated. Today, it serves as a reminder of resilience and cultural heritage.
What’s new this year? Alongside the classic sweet fry bread, there will be innovative savory options like buffalo chili fry bread tacos and tempeh fry bread tacos. Rebecca Ferber, the University Catering Operations Manager, noted that they worked closely with the pow-wow committee to ensure the offerings honored cultural traditions while reflecting current community tastes.
The event will feature notable figures like Carlos Calica as the emcee, Star Horse as the host drum, and Anthony Bluehorse as the arena director. Ramona Quenelle and Chad Leno will serve as head dancers, and the Grand Ronde Honor Guard will also participate.
An interesting aspect of this celebration is the increasing participation of local Indigenous youth in dance and performance. According to a recent survey by the National Indian Education Association in 2022, over 60% of Indigenous youth feel a strong connection to their cultural heritage when participating in community events like pow-wows. This trend emphasizes the significance of preserving and sharing Indigenous traditions with younger generations.
Attendance is free for everyone. For more details, you can visit the official Pow-Wow page.
