Native Americans Abound at UW Spring Pow Wow
After writing a short notice about the First Nations @ UW Spring Pow Wow (April 10-12, 2009), I decided to make a point to go. In a show of “indigenous solidarity” (this year’s theme), Native Americans from across the country and Canada gathered at this pow wow.
I (along with a few friends) showed up in time to watch the Grand Entry on Saturday night … and it was every bit of grand. The enormity of the procession was impressive, and spoke strongly of the size and close-knit ties of the Native American community at large. The dress ranged widely, and included feathers, beads, furs and a host of other materials. The time and effort that must have gone into some of the creations was unfathomable, and it was a delight to see such amazing handiwork.
The Grand Entry began with a presentation of the colors. Honored flag-bearers proceeded in a clockwise fashion around the Pavilion floor, followed by hundreds of tribal representatives. Men, women, and children walked and danced to the beat of drums … until the space filled to near-capacity. It was a beautiful and powerful event.
See the First Nations @ the University of Washington for more information.
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