Native American dancers, singers, drummers and vendors from across North Texas, as well as New Mexico and New York, will gather to honor the traditions of their ancestors at the 29th Annual Benefit Powwow—one of the largest powwows in Texas.
The free community event, hosted by the Native American Student Association (NASA) at The University of Texas at Arlington, will be held on Saturday, March 1, from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. in the Maverick Activities Center.
"One of the biggest goals of this powwow is to build and strengthen relationships and connections within the Native community, UTA and North Texas," said Stephen Silva Brave, president of NASA. "The powwow is a way for people who may not usually be able to connect with our culture to experience it and hopefully appreciate it."
Modern powwows date back to the 1950s, when Native Americans living in urban areas would connect with others from different tribes and organize community events—powwows—to keep their tribal traditions alive. The communities would each dress in their ceremonial regalia and participate in each other's dances.
This year's powwow will start with gourd dancing, a traditional warriors' dance originating from the Kiowa and Comanche tribes. All dancers will make their first grand entry at noon and their second at 6 p.m. Dance competitions will include men's fancy and grass; women's fancy and jingle; men's and women's traditional; golden age men's and women's; boy and girls and tiny tots.
Vendors will be selling Native American crafts and food, such as frybread and Indian tacos. The community will also be able to participate in potato dance, war hoop and lulu competitions.
"Come out and celebrate Native culture, learn about Native and indigenous traditions and support our community," Brave said.
