Members of the Native American community from around Utah gathered at Utah Valley University on Nov. 8-9 for a powwow hosted by the Native American Initiative at the university.
The powwow had three sessions — one on Friday evening, one on Saturday afternoon and the other on Saturday evening.
“Winter time is kind of slower, so we do round dances, a gathering and coming together, dancing, visiting and trading or sharing stories,” Olivia Castro, a dancer at the powwow and a member of the Union tribe, said.
“Round dance and powwows are important because it keeps us together and keeps us involved with each other, with communities and families,” she said.
The Saturday evening session was attended by hundreds of spectators and participants. Dancers of all age groups filled the UVU Rebecca Lockhart Arena.
As the Saturday evening session began, the audience was invited to stand as a prayer was offered.
The participants performed in other ceremonies, such as the presentation of the Utah flag. The drummers then played the national anthem.
Afterwards, participants performed dances, such as the children's dance.
Many people in attendance feel the powwow is more than just a dance and a gathering, but a way to connect with community, family and culture.
“Our dances and our practices … were illegal for years in a country that was based on the freedom of religion,” Dezi Lynn, manager of the National Indian Education Association, said when asked why powwows are so significant. “The powwows are ours. They belong to us. They are part of us. They are who we are."
Powwows are a competitions for dancers to come and perform different styles of dances, Lynn said. Powwows give the Native community an opportunity to connect even when factors such as work and location make it difficult.
“Powwows, for me, have always been something that I like to attend. It's a way for me to connect to my community and make sure that I get to connect back to my culture as a Navajo man, but as a Native American in general,” Justin Alison, director of the Native American Excellence Program, said. The program focuses on providing resources and opportunities to Native American students.
Vendors set up shop outside the arena, where they sold handmade jewelry and clothing.
“The music, the drum, the singing and then just being able to show people my crafts,” Nona Yaccie, a vendor at the powwow, said when asked why she loves to participate as a vendor.
Every tribe is different when it comes to design and culture, Yaccie added. Powwow allows the Native community to share their different cultures in a common space.
Keaka Hanamaya, a vendor and member of the Native community, believes the future of the Native community is bright because of the youth and the different people who hold the community together.
“That's what I love seeing when I come to these," Hanamaya said, "is that you start seeing the next generation of kids get it right."