ASU hosts annual Veterans Day weekend pow wow
The Fletcher Library Lawn at Arizona State University’s West campus will come alive with the sights and sounds of Native drummers, singers and dancers on Nov. 8, during the campus’ 14th Annual Veterans Day Weekend Traditional Pow Wow, a Native American Recognition Days event. The pow wow, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Phoenix, is free and open to the public. There is no charge for visitor parking on weekends.
In addition to dance and drumming/singing performances, the pow wow will feature grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Native arts and crafts, and food booths offering fry bread and more.
“The event’s theme is ‘A Celebration of Native Veterans,’ and all veterans are especially encouraged to attend,” said Dennis Eagleman, a 2005 ASU alumnus and event chairman for the Pow Wow. “They will be welcomed and thanked for their service to our country at 7:30 p.m.”
The day’s schedule is:
• 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – gourd dancing
• 1-1:30 p.m. – grand entry
• 1:30-5 p.m. – pow wow
• 5-6 p.m. – dinner break
• 6-7 p.m. – gourd dancing
• 7-7:30 p.m. – grand entry
• 7:30 p.m. – recognition of veterans
• 10 p.m. – closing
Scheduled participants include announcer Chuck Benson, arena director Donald Sabori, head man dancer Steve Bison, head woman dancer Elizabeth Young, southern drum Melvin “Sonny” Deer, Jr., northern drum Cornelius Nelson and head gourd dancer Keith Tagaban. The color guard will be the First Nations Warrior Society.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. (Limited seating will be provided for tribal elders.)
Volunteers are needed to help stage the event; to sign up to volunteer, visit http://links.asu.edu/powwowvolunteersignup.
The pow wow is sponsored by the Native American Events Committee, Native American Student Organization and the Office of Public Affairs at ASU’s West campus. Other organizations supporting the event include the Student Veterans Organization of ASU at the West campus, ASU’s Teachers of the Future club and the Native American Student Association from Glendale Community College.
For more information, call 602-543-5300 or email westevents@asu.edu.