The Fletcher Library Courtyard bustled as spectators and dancers converged at ASU West's Veterans Day Weekend Traditional Pow Wow on Saturday.
The event drew more than 500 spectators of all ages and representatives of 30 nations to assemble in a spirit of harmony at an all-day event.
"This is wonderful and amazing," said ASU West professor Richard Morris, faculty adviser for West's Native American Student Organization. "I'm really happy with the response of the community."
Dawn Melvin, senior program coordinator for Student Affairs said, "I think it's a wonderful turnout. We have a lot of community members here. It shows a lot of unity between the campus and the community."
Political science professor Lou Cabrera said, "I'm just incredibly amazed that we're having an event like this on campus again. It really helps with our community-embeddedness mission."
The Pow Wow turned an on-campus event into a multicultural experience when the Grand Entry dance opened up the arena to anyone who wished to participate, regardless of heritage or culture.
"It's a celebration of life," said Teri Noriega, an out-of-town visitor. "I think it's wonderful to see all the different tribes, even the different cultures, come together."
"People have been coming by smiling, saying they've been having a great time," said Black Student Union member Jermaine Murphy. "Everything has been great, even the turnout has been wonderful."
Scheduled to coincide with Veterans Day, the event featured two Gourd Dances. The Gourd Dance is a solemn expression that honors veterans and those lost in combat. Recent ASU West graduate Keith Tagaban served as Head Gourd Dancer.
The Gourd Dancers, each adorned with red and blue regalia to represent the blood and honor of their ancestors, held eagle feathers (symbolic shields) and gourds (weapons) in a somber dance. Dancers ranged from actual veterans to the children and grandchildren of veterans who chose to dance in remembrance of their ancestors. A Gourd Dancer takes responsibility for blessing the arena, praying for the safety of each person in attendance, thanking the "Creator" and honoring those who have served or still serve in the military.
As a special treat to many, Joe H. Kellwood, one of few remaining Navajo code-talkers, attended the Pow Wow. Code-talkers were Navajo soldiers who helped the Allies win World War II through communicating messages in their native tongue, an unbreakable "code" which perplexed the Japanese army. Only recently depicted in the film "Windtalkers," code-talkers are now recognized as American heroes, and Kellwood's attendance drew much interest from children and adults who lined up to shake his hand and ask for autographs.
Proceeds from the Pow Wow went to the different dance groups participating, Native American veterans and two scholarships: the Ida Redbird Scholarship and the Wicanpi Oyate Scholarship. Wicanpi Oyate translates to "star people" and is given to a Native American college senior with exemplary grades.
Aztec, Yaqui and Zuni dancers from all over the country participated in the Pow Wow, providing an interesting look into the different dances within Native American culture. ASU West's Hip Hop Coalition, another campus club that co-sponsored the event, performed choreographed hip-hop dances in the Pow Wow arena.
"It's bringing together the community and the school," said Associated Students of ASU West senator Dustin Packwood. "It's different from the Pow Wow in Tempe."
The Pow Wow proved successful due to the efforts and dedication of several student and community organizations, which include: the Native American Student Organization, the Native American Events Council, Black Student Union, International Student Association, the Hip Hop Club and the Chess Club.
"I think everyone involved did an outstanding job," said Tagaban. "I hope to come back soon."
This article was published via an agreement with the West Express, the student publication at ASU West.
