WEEKLY NEWS WEEK 7

Allison Levering | February 28th, 2025 | Weekly News

Week 7 of 15

Recap: The Valentines Round Dance and Traditional Potluck

By: Lauryn Callis

On Saturday, Feb. 23, the USDA extension program held the Valentine’s Round Dance and Traditional Potluck for the Lawrence community. Haskell Indian Nations University brought the community together for a special Valentine’s Day-themed round dance, celebrating Native traditions with a touch of extra love.

The event was hosted by emcee Chago Hail, with Mitchell Baker serving as the stickman. The night’s powerful and uplifting music was provided by talented singers Riley Spoonhunter, Ashton Fish, Noah Yazzie, and Sunhawk Thomas, whose voices resonated through the packed gymnasium. A variety of dances took place, including the Sweetheart Dance, Side Step Dance, Potato Dance, Tiny Tot Jam and the Best Ribbon Skirt/Shirt competitions, which highlighted the beauty of traditional Indigenous attire.

As pictured from L to R: Sara Bointy, Darren Hill Jr. Tawiyaka Star Comes Out, Hehaka Fraizer, Amaya Bonilla Harris, AJ Ellenwood.

As pictured from L to R: Tiara, Tanaya Mahkuk, Tawiyaka Star Comes Out

Haskell Student-led Protests

On Feb. 24, Haskell students organized a peaceful protest at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka, KS to make noise for change regarding the staff layoffs at HINU due to federal government budget cuts.

On Feb. 28, HINU students brought their voices and message of protest to South Park in Downtown Lawrence, KS. “Hands off Haskell” is a student-led protest group made up of Haskell students and alumni. The students from Haskell Indian Nations University protested on Mass St. in response to federal layoffs that terminated 35 probationary employees at their university. These layoffs resulted from an executive order issued on February 14, 2025, aiming to downsize the federal workforce.