Pow-wows offer an opportunity for Native Americans to dance and celebrate their culture in a collaborative, community space, according to Pow-Wow Co-President Christina Goodson '14.
"For the Native American community at Dartmouth, the Pow-Wow is a way for us to share something that is really important to us and to share our culture," Goodson said.
Dancers and drummers competed for cash prizes totaling $6,450, according to the event's website. The women's dance events included jingle, traditional, fancy shawl and eastern blanket dance, while the men's events included traditional, grass and fancy dance.
Dances were led by a "head woman dancer," who guided all dancers in and out of the dancing arena, and a "head man dancer," who led contestants through the grand entry at the beginning of the Pow-Wow each day, according to Goodson.
Head woman dancer Samantha Ridley '14, who practices traditional dance, said she was excited to be able to teach the Dartmouth community about her culture.
"I've been dancing since I could walk, and it's a tradition that's been passed down through my family," Ridley said. "Even though I'm far from home, I can still do something and stay within my culture. I love that there's a strong Native community and that I can express myself in this way."
A variety of food and craft vendors lined College Street, representing different tribes and selling a large array of goods, according to Monica Stretten '15, a member of the committee organizing the vendors.
"Some vendors aren't necessarily Native, but the most important thing is that they're not hobbyists' people pretending to be Native and selling something authentic," she said.
Favorable weather permitted the festivities to be held on the Green, in contrast to last year, when rain forced the Pow-Wow's relocation to Leede Arena. This year's central location facilitated visibility and high rates of attendance, according to Stretten.
"It's important that we show our presence on the Green, where it's very accessible and everyone can hear it," she said. "It's nice for people to come see what real Native life is like."
A committee of 10 students involved with Native Americans at Dartmouth began organizing the Pow-Wow during Fall term, according to Pow-Wow Co-President Autumn White Eyes '14. The leadership committee consisted entirely of freshman and sophomore representatives.
"It's great to be a part of it because it lets us contribute to the Native community at Dartmouth right away," she said.
White Eyes, who lived on a reservation prior to attending Dartmouth, said she appreciated having the chance to share her culture with the community.
"Dartmouth was the first time I lived off the reservation and around people who weren't Native," White Eyes said. "It was a culture shock, but to be able to do this is great because I can bring my culture and heritage here and connect back to my roots."
Students in attendance said they enjoyed interacting with cultures they had not previously experienced.
"I saw a lot going on and a lot of people, so I came to see," Daniel Kim '14 said. "It's really unique and cool. I've never had a chance to see anything like this, and it's a really interesting experience."
Jenny Juarez '12, who attended to support a friend performing at the event, said she took the opportunity to shop and observe the variety of regalia.
"It's cool to see a little bit of the culture and the variety of different cultures represented," Suarez said.
Lisa Chau Adv '06 said she returned for the Pow-Wow, which she attended last year, because of the fun atmosphere and "beautiful" weather.
The Pow-Wow was co-sponsored by NAD, the Special Programs and Events Committee, the President's Office, the Council on Student Organizations, the Native American Alumni Association of Dartmouth, the Mohegan Tribe and the Panhellenic Council, according to a College press release.
The first Pow-Wow was held by NAD during former College President John Kemeny's administration, according to the Pow-Wow's website.
Kemeny established the Native American Program at the College to address a historical lack of opportunities for Native Americans in higher education, according to White Eyes. Kemeny's family was honored at the Pow-Wow on Sunday.
