CSUN to Host 21st Annual Powwow

Intertribal dances and a display of authentic Native American arts and crafts will highlight the 21st annual Spring Powwow on Saturday and Sunday at Cal State Northridge, marking the first time the event will be held over two days.

The event was expanded to two days after the success of last year’s 20th anniversary powwow, said Ken Castro, assistant coordinator for the university’s American Indian Studies Program.

Sponsored by CSUN’s American Indian Student Assn., the powwow is expected attract as many as 10,000 visitors over the weekend, Castro said, up from 3,000 last year.

Saturday’s festivities will include Native American dance contests, a community dinner featuring traditional tribal dishes, and a gourd dance honoring war veterans.

On Sunday, highlights include dance performances and a Mother’s Day tribute.

“An Indian powwow is first and foremost a spiritual and social event which connects us to the mother earth, each other and to our creator,” Castro said. “It’s a powerful event which will give the general public a strong appreciation as to who Native Americans are as we approach the 21st century.”

The free public event will take place from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday on Lot C, located on the southwest corner of Zelzah Avenue and Plummer Street on the east side of campus, 18111 Nordhoff St.

On-campus parking is available for $3.50 and along Zelzah Avenue.

For more information, contact the American Indian Studies Program at (818) 677-7314.