2025 Honoring Our Graduates IAIA Spring Powwow

On Saturday, May 17, from 1–5 pm, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) will hold its annual Spring Powwow, immediately following the 2025 IAIA Commencement Ceremony. With the energy and spirit of the dancers and drum groups, IAIA Powwows are a vibrant display of our Tribal cultures—embodying the IAIA community’s resilience. This free outdoor event is open to the public on the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) campus at 83 Avan Nu Po Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508.

Grand Entry begins at 1 pm in the IAIA Dance Circle at the center of campus. The IAIA Community will provide food, drinks, and art sales. Visitors may bring their own lawn chairs. Umbrellas and canopies are allowed in available open spaces.

Head Staff

• Master of Ceremony: Otis Halfmoon (Nimiipuu)
• Arena Director: James Edwards (Pawnee, Northern Cheyenne, and Comanche)
• Head Woman Dancer: Kayla Renae Wanatee (Meskwaki Nation [Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa])
• Head Male Dancer: Isaiah St. Cyr (Ho-Chunk)
• Host Northern Drum: Thunderboyz
• Host Southern Drum: Shield Chief

IAIA is accepting vendor applications, which are free for current IAIA students, $40 for IAIA alumni, and $60 for off-campus vendors. Return application no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 15, 2025, to: Blue Tarpalechee, blue.tarpalechee@iaia.edu, email, or deliver to the IAIA Library Building.

If you have any questions, please contact Dean of Students Dr. Blue Tarpalechee (Muscogee [Creek] Nation) at blue.tarpalechee@iaia.edu or 505-424-2331.

IAIA is a drug and alcohol-free campus. IAIA is not responsible for lost or stolen items, injuries, or accidents that occur during the event.