The 31st Annual Graduation Powwow will be held on Saturday, May 17, at Rogers State University.
The powwow will be held from 2-8 p.m. in Bushyhead Field House on the RSU campus in Claremore.
All area high school and college graduates are invited to participate in the powwow, which will be hosted by the RSU Native American Student Association.
Students from the Thunderbird Youth Academy in Pryor will serve as honor guard for the event.
The powwow schedule includes a gourd dance from 2-5 p.m. and a supper break from 5-6 p.m., with the gourd dance resuming from 6-6:45 p.m. The grand entry will begin at 7 p.m.
All area high school and college graduates will be recognized at 8 p.m. Graduates who wish to participate and receive a commemorative medal should RSVP by contacting Hugh Foley, RSU professor, at [email protected] or by calling (918) 343-7566 by Monday, May 12.
Head powwow staff includes Mike Shawnee, head singer; Tony Arkeketa, master of ceremonies; Dr. Pete Coser, head gourd dancer; Katharine Maynor, head lady dancer; Jimmie Johnson, head man dancer; and Karl Beaston, arena director.
Dance competitions will include first, second and third place prizes for buckskin, cloth, jingle, fancy shawl, straight, grass, traditional and fancy categories; and junior competitions will be held for girls, boys and “tiny tots.”
Vendors must provide a $30 donation to the RSU Native American Student Association. A variety of Native American foods will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the concession stand will benefit the Rogers County Cherokee Association.
For more information about participation or attendance at the powwow, call (918) 343-7566.