Annual Powwow Honoring Native Families Returns Sept. 30

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Dancers perform during Tribal Fusion.
Dancers perform during Tribal Fusion.

The Inter-tribal Student Leadership Council at Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) will host its annual powwow featuring traditional dancers and a gourd dance.

More than 250 guests are expected at the event, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the College of Engineering meadow.

Festivities will include a cake walk, a tiny tots competition and a vendor fair showcasing Native American arts and crafts, as well as campus and community resources. All of the funds raised during the cake walk will benefit scholarships for Native American students.

The Inter-tribal Student Leadership Council seeks to improve graduation rates among Native American students on campus by promoting cultural awareness and engaging students in leadership activities. Currently, more than 50 Native American students attend the university.

The group’s student leaders also provide mentorship during the annual Native American Youth Leadership Summer Pipeline to College program, which brings Native American high school students to campus to attend cultural, educational and leadership events.

“In recognition of our local and national tribal communities, we want to encourage a collaborative exchange between our campus and the Native American community,” said Professor Sandy Kewanhaptewa-Dixon (Hopi), chair of the Department of Ethnic & Women’s Studies in the College of Education and Integrative Studies (CEIS). “We’re expecting representatives from several tribal nations across the United States including Arizona, Utah, Oklahoma and Nevada. I am looking forward to celebrating the rich and beautiful culture of my people.”

CEIS Dean Jeff Passe said he looks forward to the cultural celebration.

“I’m so pleased to join Professor Dixon and the Inter-tribal Student Leadership Council in recognizing and learning more about Native American heritage,” Passe said. “We highly value our partnership with Native American communities in our student pipeline project, and I look forward to helping to celebrate their achievements.”

Admission to the event is free and open to the general public. Parking on campus will be available in Structure 1 and Lot F for $6.

For more information about the powwow, contact Erica Ben (Navajo) at 562-332-3273.