By Kyla WIlliams
Each semester here at Haskell Indian Nations University, a Powwow is held to welcome new and continuing students back to campus while encouraging the Lawrence community, staff members, and Haskell alumni to continue the tradition of attending the event. People from all across Indian Country catch news of the event from emails, flyers, Facebook, or word of mouth through relatives or friends who have attended Haskell, or are currently attending.
The powwow is held on Haskell’s campus at the Coffin Sports Complex. Many come to Haskell’s powwow to participate in dance competitions and drumming circles, set up shops to sell their handmade items, clothes, and food, or simply mingle with family and friends. Many who attend have a connection to Haskell.
Tina and Theron Colvin, the owners of Ribbon Skirtz, Shirtz, Setz & More, have attended the powwows annually, setting up shop to sell for others to enjoy their handmade clothes ever since their kids attended Haskell.
When asked what makes the Haskell powwow memorable, Mr.Colvin described the experience as familiar, “both of my kids have been here, it’s like family- it’s a good powwow, it’s a good campus, it’s a good school, and I’m glad my kids went here.”
Family is one of many things that brings people together, whether biological or a found family created through shared experiences like this one.
Another majority of people who attend these yearly powwows are students and alumni, participating in all that the powwow offers. Shana Smith, originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and now living in Kansas, is an alumni and Southern-style dancer who has been competing at the Welcome Back Powwow since she attended Haskell Indian Nations University. What makes the Haskell Powwow memorable for Smith is the community that makes it lively each year—catching up with family, friends, and fellow alums and how it grows with new, incoming students. Some who attend simply go for the experience of witnessing dancers and vendors while also partaking in the activities and food and drinks sold. One student, Shelby Thompson, a member enrolled in the Hualapai tribe of Arizona who is a current student here at Haskell, recalls the Powwow as “beautiful.” with the different tribes coming together and dancing in various styles and colors.
Haskell not only gives students opportunities to participate but also encourages the Haskell community and Native Americans across the states who want to participate and be able to dance in competitions, participate in a drum circle, or set up a booth to sell their artwork. If club students wish to raise money, they can also sell food or host activities to prepare for future events while giving quality service. Although the Haskell powwow is a one-day event, it certainly does not lack the livelihood and strong, welcoming community built from generation to generation. Many who have attended Haskell Indian Nations University come back routinely to show their support for the powwow, school, and the future of Native American students.
