Native-American Pow-Wow to teach, entertain

Published: Friday, April 28, 1995

By Nancy Hsu

Daily Bruin Senior Staff

There was a time in history when the government forbade tribal dancing.

"They were afraid," said Nina Stanton, a third-year French student. "They thought it was evil, that it was war dancing and against Christianity. They didn't understand each tribe dances for different reasons, most of which are religious."

This year, the 10th annual UCLA Pow-Wow promises to be filled with dancing, music, food, arts and crafts. Organizers hope people will not only take in the sights of traditional Indian dress, but also get a taste of Native Americana.

Organizers expect close to 10,000 people to attend the free event from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Intramural Field next to John Wooden Center.

"The Pow-Wow is a time for us to gather," said Stanton, a vendor organizer for this year's celebration. "It's educating people about us. Taking away the stereotypes."

There are an estimated 500 tribes of American Indian people throughout the country, Stanton said. Some of those represented this weekend include the Kiowa, Cree and Navajo.

Since it is also the American Indian Studies Center's 25th anniversary, the center is sponsoring specialty dances. The special presentations, such as the Gourd Dance, are ceremonial and have deep religious significance for each tribe. These will take place between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

In addition, there will be inter-tribal dance competitions between troops from tribes across the United States and Canada.

Dance categories are Men's and Teen Boys: traditional, straight, grass and fancy; Women's and Teen Girl's: buckskin, cloth, jingle and fancy.

Pow-Wow participants travel throughout the year to such events. For many, it is not only an opportunity to educate others, but a way of life. Some of the vendors, who are craftsmen, rely on sales to survive, Stanton said.

"It will just be a fun time to be around," said Jennifer Scott, a fourth-year history student and co-coordinator of the event. "There's people coming from all over the place and joining in music and song, and it's really enjoyable for the Indian community."