The 2024 Fall IAIA Powwow, held on October 5, 2024, at the Dance Circle on campus, gathered approximately 500 attendees, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural celebration and community connection. The event featured 42 vendors, while 50 dancers showcased their talent and artistry alongside five dedicated drum groups. The Host Northern Drum was the Thunder Boyz, and the Host Southern Drum was Shield Chief, whose rhythms filled the air and invigorated the gathering.

We were privileged to have Avery Hale (San Carlos Apache, San Felipe Pueblo, Mandan, and Hidatsa) serve as the Head Male Dancer, and Sunshine Eaton (Pueblo of Tesuque, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Rosebud Lakota Tribe, and Navajo Nation) as the Head Female Dancer. Special acknowledgment goes to our Emcee, Otis Halfmoon (Nimiipuu), whose engaging presence helped guide the event, and Arena Director Aaron Frye (Cherokee and Chickasaw), whose leadership ensured a smooth experience for all participants and attendees. The commitment and organizational efforts of Coordinator Diana Ellenwood (Nimiipuu) were vital to the success of this year’s Powwow.

“Contest Powwows take a lot of organization and a lot of people coming together to put on such a fantastic event. Ours was no exception. At the end of the day, when we’re announcing the winners, that really makes it all worth it, especially for the young dancers. All the stress, concern, late nights, and early mornings—it all fades away when you call out the names of these kids and hear them shout in excitement from somewhere in the crowd. Then you see them smiling from ear to ear as they run full sprint across the dance circle, eager to shake hands and take their prizes back to their proud families. You see that, and you can’t help but be filled with hope and certainty for the future,” said Dean of Students, Dr. Blue Tarpalechee (Muscogee (Creek) Nation), PhD.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all who attended, participated in, and supported this year’s Powwow. We look forward to welcoming the community at future gatherings.

Photographic Views

Photographs by Ariana Hatcher, Institute of American Indian Arts.