The 54th annual Hozhoni Days Powwow will be held Friday and Saturday in Whalen Gymnasium at Fort Lewis College.
The event’s Navajo name translates to “days of beauty” and, according to the college’s website, is the longest-standing student-led tradition at FLC. The two-day celebration features Native dancers, singers and performers, and marks the culmination of an activity series that focuses on Native American education at the college.
The event also includes the Ms. Hozhoni Pageant, which crowns a winner to represent Wanbli Ota, a Shalako Indian Club, and the college’s Native American community for the next year. Those who enter the pageant are judged on public speaking, traditional food presentations and talent performances.
Activities on Friday include: Gourd Dance at 5 p.m. and Grand Entry at 7 p.m.Activities on Saturday include: Gourd Dances at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Grand Entries at 1 and 7 p.m.; and Ms. Hozhoni will be crowned during the evening powwow.This year’s head staff includes: Blackfoot Confederacy (northern host drum), Southern Style (southern host drum), Aaron Denny WhiteThunder (head man), Lizzie Hardin (head woman), Erny Zah (master of ceremonies), Leon Wheeler (arena director), Bruce Leclaire (head judge) and Leo Dayish (head gourd).
Admission is $6 per attendee, per day. Children younger than 6 and adults older than 60 will be admitted free.
For more information, call Lisa Cate at 247-7221 or visit www.fortlewis.edu/hozhoni-days-powwow.
