The 42nd annual powwow celebrated American Indian culture throughout the Union on Saturday.
The Intertribal Student Association, a student group at the U since 1971, hosted the event. This year’s theme “Sustaining Our Culture” represented the ongoing tradition that attracts hundreds of American Indians each year in celebration of their roots and heritage.
“[This event] is meant to bring the tribes and community together through music and dance to celebrate our culture,” said Orianna Dennison, president of the Intertribal Student Association. “This powwow is more contemporary than it used to be, but our dancers and their costumes, the music and the dancing, are very traditional and representative of our Native American heritage.”
The dancers competed in 20 different categories. Each dance was a story and told of how the style of dance came about. Dancers wore traditional regalia — ornate jewelry and other accessories — which symbolize different tribal values. Adorned in bright feathers, clothing patterns, headbands and jewelry, the dancers proudly moved to drums and bells and chanted in their native tongues.
“I’ve never seen something so mesmerizing,” said Dianne Duncan, a junior in education.
Duncan attended the event with her family, who had never been to a powwow and wanted to learn more about American Indian culture.
“The music, the costumes, the spirit of it all was absolutely beautiful,” Duncan said. “I didn’t realize how prominent this culture is in Utah, and that it still exists and thrives today. You could really see and feel the pride that they each had for their heritage.”
A grand entry at noon welcomed attendees to the event. During the entry, a spiritual leader blessed participants after an opening song and dance. The powwow ended with a closing song.
The event was free and open to the public, welcoming anyone to attend and learn more about the culture.
Deirdre Yazzie, a junior in political science and health promotion & education, said the powwow “feels like home” and is an important way to keep the American Indian community alive.
“A lot of us have traveled from reservations for education and opportunities for jobs, so it does get a little weary sometimes and we get homesick,” Yazzie said. “The powwow helps us remember where we came from, our roots. It keeps our traditions and culture alive and I think it keeps us all grounded.”
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