The dancers came dressed in colorful feathers and adorned with bells. As they danced, the sound of drums reverberated powerfully throughout the arena.
Students, members of the community and American Indians from around the state gathered Saturday at Gerlinger Hall for the Native American Student Union’s Winter Pow Wow. The evening began with a traditional salmon dinner, followed by a night of dance and song.
Whether they came for the food or the music, many attendees said they were there because of their interest in American Indian culture.
“I think there’s a mystique that they have among non-Indians,” said the powwow master of ceremonies Nick Sixkiller. “People are curious about Indian ways, to see how they do things. I think that’s why a lot of them come out.”
Self-described “powwow veteran” and Eugene resident Megan Smith said she enjoyed “taking part, even a small one, in another culture. (Powwows) are just a fun time all the way around.”
Eugene resident Erin Walker expressed similar sentiments. “It’s a great chance to learn about something that you don’t get to see every day,” Walker said.
Through the night, men’s and women’s dances paid homage to the traditional Indian virtues of honor, spirituality and strength. In a time when war seems imminent, the powwow also honored Indian war veterans. Various tribal war dances were performed, and veterans were invited to take part in the color guard ceremonies.
Dance teams included groups from Ashland, Southern Oregon University and North Plains, which performed individually and as part of inter-tribal dances.
Although powwows are sometimes held for competition, with judged winners, this one was small and informal. Sixkiller said it was “a time to feel good” and to “go a little easy on our dancers.”
“It’s a fun outlet,” North Plains dancer Cybil Reed said.
Dancers spend weeks or months preparing for some of the larger powwows. For others, the dancing is a lifetime commitment; the youngest dancer present on Saturday night was only five years old.
NASU co-Director Brent Spencer said the powwow’s turnout was wonderful. He said NASU’s spring powwow, which takes place Mother’s Day weekend, will be larger. That powwow will feature competitive dancing.
Sixkiller said the events remain an important part of American Indian culture.
“It’s how we celebrate who we are, with these modern-day powwows,” Sixkiller said.
Slade Leeson is a freelance writer for the Emerald.