On Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, the Lawrence Public Library hosted a Native American Heritage Month celebration from 1:30 to 2:30p.m. in the Lawrence Public Library auditorium. The event included dancing and storytelling by Haskell students and princesses representing the different Native nations found throughout Lawrence.
At the celebration, several Haskell students demonstrated different styles of powwow dancing. Luis Kakkakjo, Menominee Indian Tribe, showcased men’s woodland; Emmalee Fields, Cherokee Nation, showcased women’s fancy; Clay Shineka, Navajo Nation, showcased women’s old-style jingle; and Nagos Hale, Prairie Band Potawatomi, showcased women’s applique.
Miss Indian World 2025 Dania Wahwasuck and Miss Haskell 2025 Angelina Giagoboth read Indigenous children’s books to attendees. Wahwasuck read It’s Powwow Time by Martha Troian. She said she chose this book because it was reminiscent of her own memories of being a young child and having fun at powwows, especially her tribe’s Prairie Band Potawatomi Powwow. During her reading, Wahwasuck strategically played powwow music to engage the audience and bring alive the essence of a powwow atmosphere. Giago read We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom. She said that she chose this book because, as a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the battle against the Dakota Access Pipeline was a historical fight in her people’s modern history.
The event was planned by librarian and former Haskell student, Amaya Bonilla-Harris,Apache Tribe of Oklahoma. Having planned last year’s Native American Heritage Month celebration, Bonilla-Harris said she wantedto incorporate princesses into this year’s event. She said that during her own time as a princess, she loved seeing kids get excited to meet a real-life princess, and that her favorite activity was hosting story times for children. She also highlighted the need for and importance of Native representation in intellectual communities, which was her motivating force behind the event.
Overall, it was a successful day celebrating Native American Heritage Month. Thank you to the Lawrence Public Library, Bonilla-Harris, Haskell dancers, and princesses for the celebration!
