The 40th Annual RSU-Claremore Graduation Powwow will be held on Saturday, April 16, at Rogers State University.
The powwow will be held from 2-11 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.
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, April 11.
Head powwow staff includes Craig Satepauhoodle, head singer; Louis Gray, master of ceremonies; the Blackbeard Descendants, head gourd dancers; Mary Longhorn, head lady dancer; Travis Clark, head man dancer; and Robert Lincoln, arena director.
Color guard will be Osage Marine Corps League and American Legion Post 198 of Pawhuska, Okla.
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.