The 47th annual Oregon State University łatwa ina Pow-Wow will be held Saturday, May 16 at Gill Coliseum, 660 SW 26th St., Corvallis. The free community event celebrates Indigenous culture and heritage. It is presented by the Native American Student Association and kaku-ixt mana ina haws (Native American Long House) in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs and other university partners.
Doors open at noon. Grand entry (ceremonial opening) is at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The event features traditional dance, music and singing from Indigenous performers and a marketplace offering authentic Native American crafts.
University Housing and Dining Services will be selling fry bread at the cultural center el Centro, across the street from Gill Coliseum. This is the fourth year UHDS has offered the bread.
Fry bread is a deep-fried flat dough bread that can be served in sweet or savory forms, and is often served at pow-wows and other North American Indigenous celebrations. Fry bread became a staple for Native Americans after they were provided extremely limited provisions following displacement and forced relocation by the federal government in the 1800s. The meal has become a way to remember and honor that history.
This year, in addition to the sweet fry bread, UHDS will offer two savory options, buffalo chili fry bread tacos and tempeh fry bread tacos, which University Catering Operations Manager Rebecca Ferber said will honor tradition while also providing choices that reflect evolving preferences of the community.
“Catering worked directly with kaku-ixt mana ina haws and the pow-wow committee to refine the ingredients, recipe and preparation methods to ensure they are aligned with cultural expectations and honored the traditions of the event,” Ferber said.
Carlos Calica is the event’s emcee. Host drum is Star Horse, with Four Directions as honor drum. Arena director is Anthony Bluehorse. Head woman dancer is Ramona Quenelle, and head man dancer is Chad Leno. Grand Ronde Honor Guard will be present.
Admission is free. For more information click here
