34th Annual KU FNSA Powwow and Indigenous Cultures Festival
Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/08/2023
10:30 am - 8:00 pm
Location
University of Kansas
Categories
Tags April, Cultures, Festival, Indigenous, Kansas, Lawrence, Native American, powwow, Unversity
The 34th Annual KU FNSA Powwow celebrates the diversity of Native American cultures in the community through dancing, singing and honoring the traditions of Indigenous ancestors. All events are free and open to the public.
The event has added Gourd Dancing to welcome and honor elite military combat warriors through Tribal songs and dances. Gourd Dancing will take place on the Powwow grounds at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
To learn more about the historical and contemporary traditions of Gourd Dancing and powwows, guests can attend “Powwow 101” at 11 a.m. and “Gourd Dancing 101” at 1 p.m.
This daylong, family-friendly event will welcome the KU, Lawrence and surrounding communities to participate, share experiences, make connections and learn more about the traditions, culture, history and contemporary topics relating to the Indigenous peoples of North America.
The day includes a full schedule of interactive experiences, educational workshops and children’s activities focused on Indigenous cultures and history, including:
- Indigenous children’s language & literacy activities
- Indigenous books with Ponak’azo
- Educational presentations by Cornel Pewewardy, The Indigenous Arts Initiative, FNSA students and Jancita Warrington
- Community mural painting
Activities offered during the 2023 KU FNSA Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival will be held both outside and inside the Lied Center. Attendees planning to stay throughout the powwow are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Regional Native American artists and artisans will have items for sale in accordance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, and food will be for sale as well.
HEAD STAFF:
- Head Man Dancer -Tony Wahweotten, Prairie Band Potawatomi
- Head Lady Dancer – Brennah Wahweotten, Prairie Band Potawatomi
- Master of Ceremonies – Manny King, Northern Cheyenne / Navajo
- Arena Director – Jeremy Shield, Crow
- Host Northern Drum – Showtime, South Dakota with Head Singer: Novi Runs Above
- Host Southern Drum – All Nations, Oklahoma with Head Singer: Dr. Cornel Pewewardy
- Gourd Dancer Singer – Dr. Cornell Pewewardy, Commanche / Kiowa
- Color Guard – Wa Te Se Post # 410, Prairie Band Potawatomi
