March 12, 2004 :: No. 179

Student Group Hosts Native American Powwow at Cal State Fullerton

The sound of drums and the sight of intricate dancing and colorful regalia will fill Cal State Fullerton’s Engineering and Computer Science Lawn Saturday, March 20, as the university’s Inter-Tribal Student Council stages a Native American powwow.

From 11 a.m.-10 p.m. the Eagle Spirit Dancers, led by emcee Benjamin Hale, will host dozens of ceremonial dances, and individuals will participate in competition dances with Native Americans from several surrounding states. In the afternoon, audience members may be invited to join the circle. During intermission, members of the Inter-Tribal Student Council and M.E.ChA will perform. More than 20 vendors will be on hand to sell traditional Native American food and souvenirs.

“Historically, a powwow was held to celebrate returning warriors and it still serves as a social and cultural celebration of life,” said Rosalina Camacho, adviser to the Inter-Tribal Student Council. “Students have organized the powwow for everyone of all ages to learn about Native American culture in a fun atmosphere.

The powwow is free and open to the public; chairs and blankets are suggested for sitting on the lawn.

The event is sponsored by the Inter-Tribal Student Council, Association for Inter-Cultural Awareness and Associated Students, Inc.