Powwow deemed a success
CHADRON – Chadron State College’s Mari Sandoz Wacipi (Powwow) welcomed 51 dancers and eight drum groups comprised of 42 singers, to campus in mid-November. Twenty-five dancers were teenagers or younger, according to Native American Club sponsor Dr. Dave Nesheim. Chris Eagle Hawk was Master of Ceremonies and Melvin Young Bear was Arena Director. Lisa and Kristy Young Bear were registration and tabulation coordinators.
“We had dozens of students and community members in attendance. Inclement weather held down our attendance,” Nesheim said.
After the Wacipi, one participant gave the Native American Club a ceremonial feather staff as a gesture of appreciation.
The Native American Club has organized and hosted a powwow since 2015, renamed the Mari Sandoz Wacipi this year.
“The Sandoz Society has been the main sponsor since 2017, and the club looks forward to continuing to expand the Wacipi and building relationships with dancers from the region,” Nesheim said.
Several club members were judges this year for the dance contests. The club is planning a trip to the Denver Powwow in March 2019 in order to better understand the finer points of powwow, according to Nesheim.
Community members are welcome to join the Native American Club. To learn more, contact Nesheim at dnesheim@csc.edu.
Category: Campus News