Carleton College to Host Native American Pow Wow

Carleton College will be the site for a traditional Native American Pow Wow on Saturday, May 15, beginning at 1 p.m. on the Bald Spot, the open grassy area in the center of campus. Usually held in the spring, a Pow Wow is a celebration honoring the earth, with drumming and dancing as the centerpiece. Native American crafts also will be on display and food items will be available to sample. The event is free and open to the public.

The Pow Wow begins with the grand entry, or parade of flags, including the U.S. and Minnesota state flags, as well as the traditional warrior flags, known as the Eagle Staff. After an invocation, emcee Jim Clairmount will begin to call the dances, which will be led by four head dancers. Music will be provided by four drum groups, Spirit Mountain, The Boyz Jr., Cantewanji, and Star Nation.

On Sunday, May 16, the Neconsis Women Singers will perform traditional and contemporary Native American music, accompanied by handdrummer John Morrow. The concert takes place in Severance Great Hall at 7 p.m.

Additionally, Native American poet Simon Ortiz will read from his works on Monday, May 17, at 7 p.m. in Severance Great Hall. Ortiz has published 14 collections of poetry and stories and has taught Native American studies, literature and creative writing at several colleges and universities. He has also held official positions within his Native American community in New Mexico, including Interpreter and the first Lieutenant Governor of Acoma Pueblo.

These events are sponsored by Carleton’s American Native People’s Organization (ANPO), with assistance from the Multicultural Affairs Office, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Mary Hermes, Assistant Professor of Anthropology Jerome Levi, and Associate Professor of English Michael Kowalewski.