NE North Dakota News

The 34th annual Spring Honor Dance and Powwow Celebration at Minot State University is set to take place on April 26 and 27 in the Minot State Dome. The event is free and open to the public.

This year, the celebration will feature more than just traditional powwow activities. It will include award-winning author Diane Wilson, known for works such as “Seed Keeper” and “Spirit Car,” as well as a dedication ceremony for Plum River Native Prairie at the former Erik Ramstad school site. Ruth Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills will serve as the keynote speaker.

The Spring Honor Dance and Powwow committee plans to revive an educational program previously hosted by Wylie Hammond. This program, named after former Native American Club president Kennedy Bruce, who passed away in 2015, will be held on Friday, April 26 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. at the south entrance of the Dome.

A powwow, referred to as Wacipi in Dakota and Ni-mi-win in Ojibwe, is a celebration of life where people gather to sing, dance, renew friendships, and share native culture. Minot State University’s event is a contest powwow featuring various dance categories and age groups with participants from across North America.

Attendees can expect to see a dance arena symbolizing lifelong learning and drums made from wood and hide treated with respect. The Grand Entry marks the opening parade of dancers wearing regalia that should not be touched by others.

Vendors will be present at the powwow offering sales and information. The Native American Cultural Awareness Club and Center will run a food booth selling frybread tacos among other items, with proceeds going towards honoring graduates.

Dancer and drum registration begins on Friday at 5 p.m., closing Saturday at 12:30 p.m., with Grand Entries scheduled for Friday evening at 7 p.m., Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., and again Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

Charlie Moran has been named master of ceremonies for this year's event. Wade Baker will serve as arena director while Annette Mennem takes on her role as powwow director.

The MSU Native American Center along with the Native American Cultural Awareness Club are hosting this year's celebration. Sponsors include Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa tribal council, Mandan Hidatsa Arikara tribal council alongside Four Bears Segment, Four Bears Casino, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Minot State students body representatives including MSU Diversity Council members plus MSU Cultural & Intellectual Engagement Grant contributors.

Minot State University emphasizes excellence through education coupled with community engagement fostered via rigorous academic experiences within active learning environments aimed towards public service commitment amid vibrant campus life offerings.