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Annual Social Powwow

Willamette University’s annual Social Powwow is on hiatus for 2024.

A Native American dancer at one of Willamette's Social Powwows

History

Willamette University’s first Social Powwow was held in 2002. Since then, the annual event, which is organized by Willamette’s Native and Indigenous students, has filled the campus with drumming, dancing, crafts, and food. The Social Powwow is a time to renew traditions and preserve Native American heritage. At the powwow, members of the community come together through various types of dance, song, food, and Native arts and crafts. Local tribes and businesses also donate items for a raffle to benefit Willamette’s Native and Indigenous student group, NISU.

The Willamette Social Powwow has been a yearly tradition for many local tribes and families with elders, grandparents, and parents bringing their children to the arena floor to teach dances and members of drum circles sharing stories and life updates between songs.

While the event is on hiatus, Willamette’s Native and Indigenous students have found other ways to build community and to honor, celebrate, and convey the rich traditions of their heritage in collaboration with the Office of Intercultural Engagement & Inclusion.

Questions

Email the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion or call 503-370-6265.

Willamette University
Address
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6300