Monday, April 9, 2007
A nationwide Native-American reunion kicked off with dancing Saturday in the Robinson Center.
First Nations Student Association played host to the 19th annual powwow for Native-American tribes across the United States. Tribe members from as far as New Mexico brought their families together to participate in dance competitions.
“It’s a chance for Native students all over the KU campus to celebrate their culture and help share it with others,” said Jon Red Corn, president of the First Nations Student Association and Pawhuska, Okla., senior.
Red Corn said powwows are a way for Native-American families to honor events such as marriages, births or deaths.
Jake Bread, a ninth grade student from West Junior High, attended the powwow with his family.
“I’m trying to get back into it again,” Bread said. “I like it because of the competing, and it’s fun to travel.”
Bread started dancing when he was 5 years old but had to quit in sixth grade because of the expenses.
The regalia Native Americans wear during powwows is expensive and time-consuming to make. Beads, feathers and bells are hand-sewn onto material to make outfits that Red Corn said are the equivalent of tuxedos. Native Americans try to look their best during powwows, he said.
The regalia is handed down through generations, making some of it old and cherished by the family.
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Abrahamson said women in many tribes look down at their feet while dancing to make sure that they are “walking the right path in life.”
When the audience was invited onto the floor, Bread took his chance to dance and enjoy his Kiowa and Cherokee heritage.
The style of dancing depends on which tribe the dancer is from, said Dustina Abrahamson, committee member of the First Nations Student Association. Northern and southern dance styles are different, and men and women have distinct styles as well.
Abrahamson said women in many tribes look down at their feet while dancing to make sure that they are “walking the right path in life.”
Saturday’s powwow included several dances, such as Tiny Tots, Two-Step and Golden Age.
Parents and audience members smiled as children ran to the floor to dance in the Tiny Tots competition. After a few parents collected their wandering dancers and lined them up, the children each received a dollar.
Ian Blaine, Haskell Indian Nations University sophomore from Stephan, S.D., said that although he has gone to about 40 powwows per year, he hasn’t danced for about two months. He said he was eager to dance on Saturday.
“I kind of get that fever to get out there,” he said. “I’m just here to have a good time and dance.”
Kansan staff writer Katy Blair can be contacted at kblair@kansan.com.
— Edited by Carissa Pedigo
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