Tutxinmepu Powwow this weekend at UI

March 28, 2017

The University of Idaho will host its 18th annual Tutxinmepu Powwow Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, in the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center in Moscow. The powwow brings together dancers, singers and drummers from hundreds of tribes across the U.S. and Canada in a visual and artistic representation of Native American culture. Musical accompaniment is provided by the Blackfoot Confederacy drum group Black Otter, as well as 10 other regional drum groups. Dance processions led by tribal leaders will begin at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday, with a welcome address by Provost and Executive Vice President John Wiencek and President Chuck Staben during the 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. procession, respectively. The event is free and open to the public. The procession leader, head woman dance, Mary Harris of the Cayuse and Nez Perce tribes, is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Idaho. Head man dancer Buck Wallahee of the Yakama Nation has been dancing at powwows for more than 20 years and is known for his Southern Straight Style dancing. Various events will be held between processions to honor and acknowledge the Native American community, including a tribal flag raising ceremony recognizing tribes as sovereign nations and an honoring for future and graduating Vandals. “Hosting the powwow is a way for UI to honor its relationship with native communities and recognize the fact that it exists on Nez Perce land. It is also an important recruitment and retention tool to show students from all tribes that their culture is welcome and respected on campus,” said Sydel Samuels, director of the UI Native American Student Center. The powwow will also hold an Arts and Crafts Market, which features various artisans specializing in hand-made beaded jewelry, traditional silver work, regalia and more. Over 20 vendors have been invited to sell their artwork from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.