Traditional Pow Wow honors Native American veterans

November 07, 2006

Native American dancers and drum groups from throughout Arizona will come to participate in the sixth annual Veterans’ Day Weekend Traditional Pow Wow at Arizona State University’s West campus on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Veterans’ Day weekend event brings traditional Native American arts and crafts, food, music and dancing to the West Valley during Native American Recognition Month.<separator></separator>The Pow Wow will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Las Casa Field at ASU’s West campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road. Las Casas Field is off 49th Avenue and University Way North. The Pow Wow celebrates American Indian culture and honors the contribution of Native American military veterans. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and sunscreen.<separator></separator>“The Veterans’ Day weekend Traditional Pow Wow is becoming known in the Indian community as a welcoming place for socializing and dancing,” said Dennis Eagleman, ASU alumnus and co-chair of the Native American Events Committee. “We encourage all veterans to attend and submit their name at the pow wow for special recognition.”<separator></separator>Tribal dance groups begin performing at 10 a.m. and then again at 3 p.m. Tribal dancers educate the community about various Arizona cultures through traditional dances. A variety of other dances will be performed throughout the event, including two gourd dances followed by two grand entries, which are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.<separator></separator>Last year, ASU received the Celebrating Cultural Awareness honor at WESTMARC's 13th annual Best of the West awards. The university was honored for meeting the region’s cultural needs. ASU hosts more than 10 annual events at the West campus annually, including the Veterans Day Weekend Traditional Pow Wow, Dίa de Los Muertos and the Pioneer Award dinner during Black History Month.<separator></separator>The pow wow is sponsored by the Native American Events Committee, Native American Student Services, the Office of Diversity and Social Justice, a division of Student Affairs at ASU’s West campus, the Native American Student Organization, and the Arizona Department of Health Services. Additional information is available by calling (602) 543-8138.