The Native American Student Union will celebrate its mothers and its culture this weekend with a three-day pow wow in McArthur Court and the Many Nation Longhouse.
The pow wow is free and not restricted to American Indian students. Indeed, NASU member Carina Miller said non-Indians are encouraged to come and learn more about native cultures. “The best piece of advice I can give is just to make sure that you ask questions,” Miller said.
Miller said the highlights of the pow wow will include three grand entrances featuring traditional and modern styles of American Indian dance on Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at noon and 7 p.m. in Mac Court, as well as a traditional salmon bake Sunday at the longhouse.
Saturday night will also feature a dance in honor of the mothers at the event. Mothers will be called onto the floor and their children will dance in a circle around them.
This weekend’s pow wow will be the 41st Mother’s Day event at the University, and NASU member Carina Miller said it will be larger than last year’s because of financial support from private vendors. Unlike the 2008 pow wow, it will include contests and prizes for the top three performers in dance contests.
Miller said the event is important to the identity of American Indians in Eugene and at the University.
“To just see that many natives wearing their beads and their traditional dress, filling up Mac Court – it just shows what a great experience this is,” Miller said. “There has always been a place for us on this campus.”
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