Native-American Pow-Wow to teach, entertain
By Daily Bruin Staff
April 27, 1995 9:00 p.m.
Native-American Pow-Wow to teach, entertain
By Nancy Hsu
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
There was a time in history when the government forbade tribal
dancing.
"They were afraid," said Nina Stanton, a third-year French
student. "They thought it was evil, that it was war dancing and
against Christianity. They didn’t understand each tribe dances for
different reasons, most of which are religious."
This year, the 10th annual UCLA Pow-Wow promises to be filled
with dancing, music, food, arts and crafts. Organizers hope people
will not only take in the sights of traditional Indian dress, but
also get a taste of Native Americana.
Organizers expect close to 10,000 people to attend the free
event from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
at the Intramural Field next to John Wooden Center.
"The Pow-Wow is a time for us to gather," said Stanton, a vendor
organizer for this year’s celebration. "It’s educating people about
us. Taking away the stereotypes."
There are an estimated 500 tribes of American Indian people
throughout the country, Stanton said. Some of those represented
this weekend include the Kiowa, Cree and Navajo.
Since it is also the American Indian Studies Center’s 25th
anniversary, the center is sponsoring specialty dances. The special
presentations, such as the Gourd Dance, are ceremonial and have
deep religious significance for each tribe. These will take place
between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday.
In addition, there will be inter-tribal dance competitions
between troops from tribes across the United States and Canada.
Dance categories are Men’s and Teen Boys: traditional, straight,
grass and fancy; Women’s and Teen Girl’s: buckskin, cloth, jingle
and fancy.
Pow-Wow participants travel throughout the year to such events.
For many, it is not only an opportunity to educate others, but a
way of life. Some of the vendors, who are craftsmen, rely on sales
to survive, Stanton said.
"It will just be a fun time to be around," said Jennifer Scott,
a fourth-year history student and co-coordinator of the event.
"There’s people coming from all over the place and joining in music
and song, and it’s really enjoyable for the Indian community."
