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April 26, 2012

Seventh Grade Center hosts powwow to celebrate Indian culture

Emily Ramsey Education Reporter

OWASSO —  

Native American music and dance filled the Seventh Grade Center’s gymnasium for Owasso Public School’s annual powwow and dance contest.
The powwow, held on April 21, is in its third year at Owasso schools and is a celebration of Indian culture, said Joe Don Waters, Owasso Indian education coordinator. “The powwow is a cultural event that allows Native Americans the opportunity to express themselves through dance and music.”
The event is organized by Owasso Public School’s Indian Education Department and features traditional intertribal dancing, arts and crafts vendors, and home-cooked Indian food.
The event allows Indian students to participate in their culture while creating an educational experience for non-Indian students.
“The powwow gives us a chance to be how we are as a people,” Waters said. “Not all Indian people dance and sing and go to stomp dances. This gives all Native Americans an opportunity to celebrate our culture.”
The powwow featured upwards of 60 native dancers of all ages. Children as young as 1 year old could be seen dancing, all the way up to elderly individuals, said Bob Coke, principal of the Seventh Grade Center.
Owasso Cub Scout pack 835 also took part in the event as the color guard.
Cash prizes were awarded to the best dancers in eight intertribal dance categories, including buckskin, fancy, straight and northern traditional dance.
“The powwow allows students the ability to dance in front of their friends and share their heritage with the community,” Waters said. “We received many compliments about the dances this year.”
The Indian education department holds two fundraisers each year to provide the cash prizes and to pay for event expenses. Waters credits the prizes as the reason the event attracts such talented area native dancers. 
Besides the dance contests, other festivities included a prayer given in a tribal tongue, the grand entry in which dancers perform together in their native regalia, and, in previous years, instruction about the expected etiquette at a traditional powwow. Dancers and spectators were also able to share in a traditional Indian meal for no charge.
Event organizers have seen the attendance steadily rise each year. About 300 attended the event last weekend.
Coke is hopeful that powwow attendance will continue to increase for the benefit of the community but for students, in particular. About 120 Native American students attend the Seventh Grade Center.
When Waters approached Coke three years ago about using the Seventh Grade Center’s facilities for the event, Coke didn’t need much convincing.
“It’s important for Indian youth to learn about their culture,” Coke said. “I wish more people would come and learn and observe the event. We need to understand different people’s culture and traditions.”
The Indian Education Department is planning to begin another program in May to help uninsured Native American students. The program will provide free dental care to Indian students who qualify.

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