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Show war The Utah Statesman Diversions Dancing and culture highlight annual powwow BY LISA CHRISTENSEN Senior Writer Thirty-three years ago, Native American students at USU felt the need to educate and raise awareness of their culture. Although the powwow itself was originally started by the Plains Indians' medicine men who performed sacred rituals, the students built on the idea until it included not only the rituals, but also dancing and socializing with friends and family. For the rest of Utah State University, the powwow is meant to showcase Native American culture. The 33rd Annual Native American powwow will be held Friday and Saturday, March 3-4 in the Nelson Fieldhouse. General admission is $3, but senior citizens and USU students with a valid ID get in for $2. Admission for children under 4 is free. Sam Curley, Native American Outreach Services Coordinator for USU, says the event is entirely planned by the Native American Student Coucil. "They sponsor it and find the head staff, spiritual leader, arena director, the Air Force ROTC, and the Head Man and Woman who represent USU and their respective tribes," Curley said. Events at the powwow include arts and crafts booths, a food booth featuring fry bread and tacos, and a traditional Native American dance competition. Dancers choose to dance either traditional style, fancy style, or grass or jingle styles. Dancers can register for a $5 fee. Judges look for the precision of footwork, and the upper body movement. There are many divisions and age groups dancers can compete in. Traditional clothing styles involve classic, buckskin outfits with beadwork and sacred eagle feathers. All of the costumes, or Regalia, are handmade by the contestants. Some of the Regalia components are hard to find or restricted, such as the eagle feathers which can only be obtained by a Native American registering through the Forest Service. The Spiritual Leader blesses these sacred feathers if they happen to fall to the ground during the competition. Traditional dance styles involve feather ruffles on both the clothing and headdress. The women carry MARyrKAy time he's been at Utah State," Curley said. shawls. In one dance, women try to imitate the butCurley said these achievements include working terfly. In the grass dance, only for men, the music is with the Daniel's Foundation to bring about scholarslower and the goal is to imitate the gracefully flowships for Native American students and the college ing grasses on the plains. preparation fund, also run through Daniels. The dancers compete to live music, provided by "We see a mixture of people here. The dancers different groups of drummers. and drummers bring their family and friends. But "The drummers in the powwow circuit share what it's great for anyone curious about the culture and they've learned with each other and their knowlwant to know more, or who wants to see more of the edge is passed from group to group or, if it's a family culture and how the Native Americans are today," group, from generation to generation," Curley said. Beyond the cultural prize, there is an added incen- Curley said. "This wouldn't be possible without the great support of the other departments. This is a tive in winning the competition. huge event, and we have to use so much housing and "A few years ago the council offered a scholarship food services and parking for all the visitors. Without to the winner of the teen and boys divisions," Curley financial or in kind donations, this would be impossaid, "and this year they'd like to offer that again." sible. In order to receive and maintain the scholarship, -Hmarc@cc.usu.edu the winner must also have a 3.0 High School G.P.A., a High School diploma, an ACT score of 22 or higher, and must be a student on the Logan USU campus. Each scholarship is good for either four years or eight semesters, whichever comes first. Six scholarships will be given this year. The event will also honor Dr. Juan Franco Statesman File Photos "for his many THE ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN POWWOW brings together students at USU to celebrate the culture and dances of Native American achievements Indians. The powwow will take place March 3-4 in the Nelson Fieldhouse. Tickets cost $3 for general admission and $2 for USU students. in the short "It was Perfect!" 9Tgi rls a !Be o ca looking for a fun way ta enjoy a The Cache County School District's REACH Mentoring Program is looking for individuals to volunteer as mentors for students in grades 4-8. [itflegirlHme? PlanaJ\Aary Kay parlyl invite your girlfriencta. Enfoy free makeove rs. Exchange beaul y Hps. It's o beautiful waytobonJJ Call me to schedule fhe Fun Desiree Carlisle wmmarykay.com/ rf(Qflis!e6 435-232-6626 ^Professional Quality Printing ABusiness Forms AThesis, dissertations AWedding Invitations & Accessories 630 West 200 North 753-8875 Square^ One Benefits • Satisfaction in helping someone mature and progress • Reimbursement for mileage provided • Training and support to help the match succeed • Up to two USU credits paid by program Requirements • Spend a minimum one hour a week one-to-one with a mentee • Be at least 18 years old • Be dependable and commit to program for one school year. For more information contact Melia Balls at 757-0139 or email mella.balls@cache.k12.ut.us |