Native American Traditions On Display At Gampel

By: Tina Forbes

Posted: 4/2/07

The Native American Cultural Society held its annual intertribal Pow-wow Saturday at the Gampel Pavilion. NACS invited vendors and entertainers representing a variety of tribes from all over the country to help students and the local community become better acquainted with the culture. This year the event was run by 8th-semester political science major David Morgana, president of NACS.

"There's well over 15 [tribes]. I'd say there are about 150 to 200 people participating this year including drummers and dancers," said Ricki Berg, graduate advisor of NACS and the former president of the organization. She also judged the event to be a success based on the drum circles. "We have five drums, which is very good."

Concerning the change of venue, Berg said, "We prefer Hicks [Arena], this year there was a poultry show on the same day. But we couldn't have had five drums there," she added, referring to the particularly large amount of participating drum circles this year. "Hicks is more intimate, but there would've been problems for space."

Gampel appeared to accommodate the event well as vendors had space above the first section of seating while the main floor was occupied by the Native dancers and the drum circles as well as students and community members who were invited to participate. The first several dances were reserved for the Native American dancers. All spectators stood and removed their hats as the dancers proceeded onto the main floor. They were dressed in regalia, which are worn for special events such as a Pow-wow. Their ages varied widely from toddlers to elderly participants.

Spectators were invited to join in for the "veterans dance." Dances and music continued throughout the afternoon event.

The vendors at the pow-wow were friendly and enthusiastic; they explained the uses and meaning behind different crafts, which ranged from jewelry and paintings to decorative weaponry and clothing. The vendors also handed out information about the artists, their tribes and where they come from. Another popular feature at the pow-wow was the Navajo taco lunch between Gampel and the Natatorium featuring traditional fry bread.

Most students seemed to enjoy the event.

"I liked all of it, I liked being immersed in the culture learning new things," said LeeAnne Kane, an 8th-semester Native American studies major and an active member of NACS. "I'd like it to be back in the Hicks Arena next year though."

There were also several out of state students who traveled to Connecticut to see the Pow-wow.

"It was really interesting and really fun," said Jen Flis, an undergrad at Southern New Hampshire University. "It was my first opportunity to see Native American culture. I really liked the Navajo tacos; the fry bread was really good."

"I like how it made me think about my own heritage, and what traditions I have," said Becky McCormack, a Plymouth (Mass.) State University undergrad.