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CORVALLIS - Oregon State University will come alive with dancers and artisans as the campus celebrates its 26th annual Native American Powwow on May 18-19.

The powwow, also known as Klatowa Eena, which means "go Beavers" in Chinook trading language, is free and open to the public and begins with gourd dancing at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, in Gill Coliseum. Grand Entry is scheduled at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, May 19, gourd dancing starts at 10:30 a.m. and Grand Entry starts at noon.

Klatowa Eena will feature representatives from various tribes throughout the United States. The Host Northern Drum is Star Blanket Jr's (cq) from Balcarres, Saskatchewan, and the Host Southern Drum is Southern Thunder from Pawnee, Okla. Special guests will be Steiger Butte singers from Chiloquin Ore.

A Klatowa Eena drawing will give participants and spectators a chance to win an OSU jacket, Pendleton blankets, beaded hair ties and a variety of other items from the Corvallis business community. There will also be a number of academic displays from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday.

"Visitors will have an opportunity to see and hear the many different styles of American Indian dance and song as well as an opportunity to visit the many Indian artists and craft vendors with handcrafted Native American items that will be for sale," said Allison Davis-White Eyes, coordinator of OSU's Indian Education Office. "This is an excellent time to welcome the spring and celebrate with the Native American community."

Other events during the weekend include a "Jim Thorpe Fun Run," which starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday at OSU's Native American Longhouse at Jefferson Way and 26th Street. For information, contact the OSU Indian Education Office at 541-737-4383.