CSC student organizes powwow in Alliance

Broc Anderson, an Alliance native and president of the CSC Social Sciences Club, is organizing the first powwow in more than two decades, through his internship with the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center.

“To me, the most important part of this internship in Alliance, my hometown, is that I learned so much about the significance of our small town. Working at the museum showed why I should be proud being from Alliance and the great history we have in western Nebraska,” Anderson said.

The event will take place in Alliance’s Central Park from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25.

Anderson said he has immersed himself in learning about other cultures as part of earning his social science teaching endorsement from CSC. He took a special interest in the powwow at Chadron State College in 2015.

“I was amazed at the celebration of Native American tradition and culture. The meanings of the dances and what the drummers are saying is very interesting,” Anderson said.

Anderson said interest in the event has been expressed by callers from as far away as North Platte and Omaha.

Terra Garcia, president of the CSC Native American club, said she is excited about the powwow.

“I think Broc is doing a wonderful service for the community as well as Native American culture,” Garcia said.

Key participants in the powwow are from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Chris Eagle Hawk will be the master of ceremonies, Emmanuel Black Bear will be the arena director and the Crazy Horse Singers will be the host drum.

The Native American Club, in partnership with the Social Science Department at Chadron State College, will be providing transportation for 13 students to attend the powwow on a first-come, first-served basis. Two vehicles will leave from the Student Center Sept. 24 and Sept. 25.

For details, call the museum at 308-762-2384 or Anderson at 308-760-6228.