Creighton held its ninth annual All-Nations Pow Wow on Saturday in the Kiewit Fitness Center hosted by the Native American Student Association.
This event allows tribes from all over the country to come and participate in this event. Arts & Sciences freshman Blair Nelson said that tribes were represented from places like Oklahoma, Arizona, North Dakota, South Dakota and even all the way from Wind River, Wyoming, this year.
“My favorite part about this day is the atmosphere and how it is a day of unity,” Nelson said. “Everyone in attendance cares for each other and it is really cool to see.”
The All Nations Pow Wow consists of a variety of activities. The festivities kicked off with a grand entrance of all tribes and then continued on to things like dance contests, a princess competition and a free meal.
There was a “dance ‘til you drop” contest where the winner was awarded $500. Drummers provided the music and would not stop their drumming until only one dancer was standing. This was a test of stamina.
Arts & Sciences junior Margaret O’Connor said she likes the princess competition.
“This competition is open to girls of all ages,” O’Connor said. “The winner is crowned as the CU Pow Wow Princess for a whole year.”
Arts & Sciences sophomore Ozy Aloziem attended the pow wow for the second time this year. Aloziem works in the Office of Multicultural Affairs and has seen a lot of what goes into making this event possible. She said that the office has been preparing for it all year. Aloziem pitched in by working a shift at the snack table.
“I really love the grand entrance when everyone comes in dancing,” Aloziem said. “Aside from that, I also like the vendors.”
Vendors from all over are welcome to set up shop on the outer ring of the pow wow and sell their merchandise. Everything from jewelry to t-shirts and dream catchers can be purchased.
“I bought a purse and a bunch of rings last year from a couple of the vendors,” Aloziem said.
While the vendors and the competitions help make the pow wow fun, the majority of attendees thought that the grand entrance was what made the event so special. It is a procession of all the tribes represented at the pow wow. These representatives were dressed in traditional Native American attire and most of them danced through the entire presentation.
A common theme in a lot of the men’s attire was two eagle feathers on top of their heads. The announcer for the pow wow explained that not just anyone can wear these feathers. It is a sacred symbol that is held in high regard; these men have earned the right to wear the feathers.
At the front of the procession was a young man carrying a staff of eagle feathers. Attendees were informed that this is referred to as “the first flag of America.” The Omaha Standing Bear singers and drummers performed a song dedicated to this representative flag after the initial procession.
The grand entrance continued with a victory song, followed by introductions of important attendees. After the grand entrance, the activities began and ran until 10 p.m. With free admission, free food and plenty of exciting happenings, the All-Nations Pow Wow was a success yet again at Creighton.