Indigenous and Inclusive: 46th Annual Stanford Powwow

The Stanford American Indian Organization (SAIO) and the Stanford Powwow Planning Committee hosted the 46th Annual Stanford Powwow on May 12-14, 2017. This "Student Reflections" video profiles several students involved in producing the event and the teamwork involved in hosting the largest student-run powwow in the nation. 

 

What strikes me about these bright students is their inclusive approach to celebrating and honoring indigenous cultures from around the world. Held annually on Mother's Day weekend, the Stanford Powwow honors our mothers and mother earth.  

 

Surrounded by the beauty of Stanford University Eucalyptus Grove, this annual event that reminds me of what makes Stanford so special to me— the "intertribal" community of people. 

 

Congratulations to all the students who made this year's Stanford Powwow a success.

 

Video music: Intertribal Song by Black Lodge. 

Stanford Powwow: Water is Life

Original artwork by Jack Malotte and edited by Bernardo Velez.

As the largest of the college powwows, and one of the top 10 in the nation, Stanford University sees 10,000 visitors a day and 250 dancers for the annual Mother’s Day weekend event. This is the university’s 46th year hosting the event and it is entirely run by students who are part of the Stanford American Indian Organization, which was created in 1972 to abolish the “Stanford Indian” mascot.

The Stanford Powwow will be held in the Eucalyptus Grove at Galvez and Campus Drives.  All events are open to the public and overnight camping spaces are available. Donations for parking are welcome.

The Stanford Powwow begins on Friday, May 12 at 7:00 PM with the first Grand Entry of dancers and continues until 10:00 PM.  On Saturday, May 13, the 21st Annual Stanford Powwow Run, a 5K race and 1 mile youth run, will begin at 8:00 AM.  Registration for the run ends at 7:40 AM. Dancing will continue from noon until 10:00 PM.  On Sunday, May 14, dancing will continue from noon until 6:00 PM.  Also open throughout the three-day event are more than 100 arts and crafts, souvenir, information, and food booths. As a celebration of sobriety, no drugs or alcohol are allowed.

As a proud alumnus of Stanford's Native American Cultural Center, I look forward to this annual event and hope to see you there!

Rebel Music: Native America

Watch the trailer for Rebel Music's premiere episode on Native America, featuring Frank Waln, Inez Jasper, Mike Cliff a.k.a. "Witko" and Nataanii Means! Follow the lives of four Indigenous musicians and activists as they incite change in their communities through their art. The full episode will premiere exclusively on the MTV Facebook page on Thursday, 11/13/2014 at 4pm EST. Watch at https://www.facebook.com/MTV.

Rebel Education also provides a lesson plan  that focuses on a deeper understanding of some of the key historical events that have shaped the story of indigenous peoples in North America, and offers a fresh perspective through the eyes of a new generation of Native Rebels who are determined to inspire their communities. This curriculum meets Common Core State Standards and is recommended for grades 9-12.