The Retort

The “Coming Home” Powwow Held at Alterowitz Gym For the first time in 15 years

April 19th, 2010 by Bailey Martin Of The Retort Staff

Montana State University Billings’s Intertribal Indian Club’s annual powwow was held on April 9 and 10 on campus at Alterowitz Gym. The theme of this year’s powwow was “Coming Home” because the powwow returned to Alterowitz Gym for the first time in 15 years.

Besides changing locations, the powwow committe shifted the focus of the powwow this year. One focus of the powwow was to reconnect with American Indian alumni and welcoming newcomers to experience and celebrate the powwow. Another focus of the powwow was to showcase MSUB, American Indian students, and 2010 graduates.

Traditionally, powwows are a large part of keeping American Indian traditions alive and they bring together families and friends. Powwows also give people of other races and cultures an insight into American Indian culture and beautifully colorful dances.

According to powwows.com, powwows are “a time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage.”

Songs and dances coupled with other parts of the powwow, such as traditional food, are very important in American Indian culture. Singers allow dances to occur while singing songs that remind the listeners of their deep heritage and history. Many of today’s powwow dances may have changed meanings, styles, and content, but their importance to American Indians has not changed.

The powwow began on April 9 at 6pm and April 10 at 12pm with grand entries. During the grand entries, powwow participants and some honored guests paraded through the dancing area. There were separate dance categories for men and women and these categories were divided into fancy and traditional dances. The traditional dances are slower than the colorful fancy dances. There were also separate dances for children divided into three age groups - tiny-tot, junior, and teen.

Some of the many dance styles at the “Coming Home” powwow were fancy feather, fancy shawl, and jingle.

Besides the dancing, singing, and drumming, there was also traditional food, a craft show with many different vendors, an art sale and contest, and cultural activities offered through Youth Alliance for children from six to 17 years old.

Contact the American Indian Outreach Office/Intertribal Indian Club at 657-2182 or Tammy Rea with the Diversity Center at 896-5902 for more information about the powwow and Intertribal Indian Club.