Rogers State University’s Native American Student Association is organizing a May 13 powwow to honor all 2006 college and high school graduates.
The 29th Annual RSU/Claremore Graduation Honor Powwow will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Tiawah South Campus Gymnasium, located five miles southeast of Claremore on Oklahoma 88. The event previously has been held at the RSU campus in Claremore, but has been relocated due to campus construction.
The event is free and open to the public.
The Graduation Honor Powwow has been a community tradition and provides a culturally enriching activity to honor the accomplishments of college and high school graduates from northeastern Oklahoma, said Dr. Hugh Foley, RSU associate professor in the Department of Communications and Fine Arts and faculty advisor for the university’s Native American Student Association.
The powwow will begin with a gourd dance from 2-5 p.m. A supper break will be held from 5-6 p.m., with the gourd dance resuming from 6-6:45 p.m. At 7 p.m., the grand entry will begin and will culminate with an 8 p.m. dance to honor the graduates.
Food and merchandise vendors are scheduled to be available at the event throughout the day.
The head staff will be: Evans Ray Satepauhoodle, head singer; Tony Arkeketa, master of ceremonies; Patty Beaston, head lady dancer; Jason Hamilton, head man dancer; Stanley John, head gourd dancer; and Josh Williamson, arena director.
The powwow will feature dance competitions with prizes for first through third place in these areas: buckskin, cloth, jingle and fancy shawl, each in the women’s division; straight, grass, traditional and fancy, each in the men’s division; junior dance competitions for girls and boys, with all dance categories combined; and a tiny tots division.
Graduates are eligible to receive a commemorative medal to honor their achievements. To receive the medal, graduates must RSVP for the event to Dr. Foley by May 8.
Vendor booths are available for $30 donation to NASA or an equivalent item.
For more information, contact Foley at [email protected] or call (918) 343-7566.