The ASU Powwow: A Cultural Haven for Generations
The Arizona State University Powwow, now in its 36th year, is more than just a vibrant display of song and dance; it’s a crucial gathering for sharing and preserving centuries-old traditions. This year’s event, held in early April at ASU’s Desert Financial Arena, drew participants from across the country, creating an atmosphere rich with cultural exchange.
Attendees were greeted by the rhythmic beats of drum groups from various tribal nations, and the gym floor was a colorful tapestry of traditional regalia and jingling dresses. This annual celebration serves as a welcoming space for Native students, who make up 1.06% of ASU’s undergraduate population, according to a report by the Arizona Board of Regents.
Marshall Baker, a student at ASU and a powwow dancer, embodies this heritage. “I’ve been powwowing since before I could walk,” he shared. As a grass dancer, a tradition passed down through his family, Baker finds a significant connection to his roots through these gatherings.
The powwow is essential for those living away from tribal lands, offering a bridge back to their cultural heritage. “Being able to go out and powwow and dress in my regalia and hear the songs… it really helps me feel connected,” Baker said.
For many Native communities, maintaining cultural continuity is challenging due to historical and political obstacles. Events like the powwow provide opportunities for cultural celebration and education, with vendors offering traditional crafts like turquoise jewelry and beaded art.
Janelle Allen, an elder in residence at ASU, highlights the educational aspect of the powwow. “I think the powwows give an opportunity for us to have a real, live classroom begin to happen,” she stated. Elders play a crucial role in this cultural education, sharing languages and stories that are vital to cultural survival.
Language preservation remains a critical concern, with many Indigenous languages at risk of extinction. Allen emphasizes the reciprocal nature of cultural learning: “It’s one thing for an elder to speak and to teach, but it’s another thing for the youth to want to learn and to listen.”
Tahnee Baker, the powwow organizer and a member of the Apache and Navajo nations, reflects on the importance of learning from elders. “What’s unique to Indian communities is gaining and acquiring and relying on our elders,” she noted. Despite challenges, the powwow thrives as a space for cultural celebration and academic achievement.
Amidst concerns about funding cuts to diversity programs following executive orders, Tahnee Baker stresses the importance of education as a tool for empowerment. “We come to higher education institutions to acquire these different skills… which then we utilize and go back to our communities,” she explained.
Jalen James, a Navajo Diné student, embodies the spirit of community service and cultural connection. His involvement with the powwow stems from a desire to link younger generations with their cultural heritage. “You can feel it in the air, there’s a sense of belonging for everybody here, and there’s a sense of connectedness,” James said, emphasizing the powwow’s role in fostering unity and resilience among Native communities.
For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.
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