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Tutxinmepu Powwow this weekend at UI |
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March 28, 2017 |
The University of Idaho will host its 18th
annual Tutxinmepu Powwow Saturday and Sunday,
April 1-2, in the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center in
Moscow.
The powwow brings together dancers, singers and
drummers from hundreds of tribes across the U.S.
and Canada in a visual and artistic
representation of Native American culture.
Musical accompaniment is provided by the
Blackfoot Confederacy drum group Black Otter, as
well as 10 other regional drum groups.
Dance processions led by tribal leaders will
begin at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.
Sunday, with a welcome address by Provost and
Executive Vice President John Wiencek and
President Chuck Staben during the 3 p.m. and 8
p.m. procession, respectively.
The event is free and open to the public.
The procession leader, head woman dance, Mary
Harris of the Cayuse and Nez Perce tribes, is
studying mechanical engineering at the
University of Idaho. Head man dancer Buck
Wallahee of the Yakama Nation has been dancing
at powwows for more than 20 years and is known
for his Southern Straight Style dancing.
Various events will be held between processions
to honor and acknowledge the Native American
community, including a tribal flag raising
ceremony recognizing tribes as sovereign nations
and an honoring for future and graduating
Vandals.
“Hosting the powwow is a way for UI to honor its
relationship with native communities and
recognize the fact that it exists on Nez Perce
land. It is also an important recruitment and
retention tool to show students from all tribes
that their culture is welcome and respected on
campus,” said Sydel Samuels, director of the UI
Native American Student Center.
The powwow will also hold an Arts and Crafts
Market, which features various artisans
specializing in hand-made beaded jewelry,
traditional silver work, regalia and more. Over
20 vendors have been invited to sell their
artwork from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5
p.m. Sunday. |
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