Madison College will be hosting its annual pow wow to celebrate community and culture on Saturday, May 5. Doors will open to the public at 11 am in Redsten Gymnasium at Madison College’s Truax building.
Grand entries will begin at 1 pm and 7 pm, signifying the start of each pow wow. At those times all of the dancers will enter into the arena along with elders, flagstaff, and any royalty on hand.
During inter tribal dance songs, everyone from the community will be able to participate in dance, giving non-tribal members a chance to join the fun.
Many people may not realize the pow wow at Madison College has been going for about 10 straight years. Organizers expect around 700-1000 members of the community to participate.
Having a celebration of Native culture is particularly important because of the relatively small number of active Native students at Madison College who have participated in the Native American Student Association.
“We’re a small number in terms of students and faculty at Madison College,” said Katie Ackley. “We have less than 20 total active members.”
Ackley couldn’t say for sure how many overall students at Madison College identify as Native, but said less than 20 active students and only five to seven faculty are in the Association.
“It’s a small community in general so whenever we can come together and show our ways as a heritage and celebrate our culture that’s what we want to do. That’s the goal of the Pow Wow.”
Approximately 25 vendors will be present selling Native crafts and helping highlight Native culture.
At the end of the night patrons will be sent home with a Traveling song signifying the end of the Pow Wow, at least until next year.
“We want to send everyone who was here on their way home with good energy,” Ackley told Madison365. “The pow wow has been a longstanding tradition at Madison College. We welcome the entire community to be at Redsten Gymnasium on Saturday.”
Admission is $5. Elders, children under age five and participating dancers will get in for free.
