NDSU is the host institution for the 27th Annual Woodlands and High Plains Traditional Powwow scheduled for Saturday, April 2, from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Plains Ballroom. The event is a collaboration of NDSU, Concordia College, M-State and Minnesota State University Moorhead.

The theme for this year's powwow is "Educate. Empower. Continue the Legacy!"

The public is invited to attend the event, which is expected to attract more than 200 dancers and 1,500 spectators from the region, including visitors from tribes such as the Hidatsa, Lakota, Mandan, Arikara, Sac and Fox, and Chippewa Nations.

Grand entries are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The powwow will feature Cheyenne Brady, Miss Indian World 2015, as the head woman dancer, and a vendor fair will include American Indian items and a silent auction.

"A traditional powwow is a time to celebrate and renew friendships," said Jered Pigeon, NDSU powwow committee chair. "In addition, this powwow celebrates the educational success of area American Indians in higher education and the sharing of tribal cultures. Overall, the 27th Annual Woodlands and High Plains Powwow offers the community a chance to enjoy a vibrant cultural experience through song and dance and heritage goods from the many vendors."

Admission is $3 for elders, age 55 and over; $3 for youth, ages 6-18; and $5 for adults. Admission is free for college students with ID and children age 5 and younger.

Powwow head staff members include:

            Emcee: Mickey Hodges, Mahnomen, Minnesota

            Arena director: Dennis Williams, Wauban, Minnesota

            Host drum: Buffalo River, Moorhead, Minnesota

            Head woman dancer: Cheyenne Brady, Sac and Fox Tribe, 2015 Miss Indian World

            Head male dancer: Samuel Goodhouse, Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Nation

            Honor Guard: White Earth veterans

            Spiritual adviser: Laidman Fox Jr., Spirit Lake Nation

For more information, contact Pigeon at 701-231-7267 or jered.pigeon@ndsu.edu. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.

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