United Tribes Club Powwow Saturday, May 5

The annual Central Wyoming College Powwow, sponsored by the United Tribes Club, is set for Saturday, May 5 at CWC’s gymnasium.

Gourd Dancing, which honors veterans, begins at 1 p.m. though the grand entry is not scheduled until 6 p.m. Sergio Maldonado, the club’s advisor, said the gourd dances last an hour or two and the community is welcome. While there is a break in the dancing until the Grand Entry, vendors stay the entire time, he said.

Powwows always begin with a grand entry with dancers representing their tribes and also a particular style of dance, Maldonado said.

He is expecting dancers to characterize multiple categories, including the women’s traditional, men’s northern tradition, fancy dance, fancy shawl, jingle dress, and grass dancer. The colorful and popular Mark Soldier Wolf family dancers will be represented.
Native Americans have always gathered to socialize among one another with song, dance and the drum, he said.

At 8 p.m., the United Tribes Club intends to honor all CWC staff with an honor song. The club is also honoring Wayne C’Hair for his years of teaching the Arapaho language at CWC.

The powwow is free and open to all.