When the Grand Entry procession of veterans and dancers at Heritage’s All Nations Student Social Powwow made its way into the arena to open the day’s festivities, it was a moment of great significance. It was a welcome back to Heritage alumni; to dancers, drummers and singers; and to friends who faithfully attended the annual event before COVID, and whose presence at the university was deeply missed. It was a celebration of the hard work of the students who planned, promoted and executed the event. And it was another milestone in a collective return to normalcy after the pandemic’s interruption to all our lives.

The powwow was held on the Heritage campus in April under a vivid blue spring sky. The event was entirely organized by students in Heritage University American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) and the Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC). Vendors selling everything from t-shirts and handmade Native American crafts to frybread tacos and beverages outlined the enormous tent that served as the arena. Organizers estimated a crowd of about 500 people, including dancers, drummers and vendors, in attendance.

“The powwow is a great way to highlight the rich culture of Native people and share it with the community,” said Kansas Arnoux, HUNAC president. “We were honored to invite the community to celebrate with us and to experience a bit of the cultural traditions that we hold close to our hearts.”

AIBL of HU President Latrishia Scabbyrobe agreed with Arnoux. “The powwow promotes mental health and wellness for our community by building a connection and an appreciation of our past through song and dance,” she said.

The first All Nations Student Powwow was held at Heritage in the fall of 2017. It was initially started by a handful of students in AIBL. Jacob Billy (B.A., Environmental Science, 2017) was one of the students involved in planning that first event. He’s been the head of the Grand Entry at every event since, including this one. Billy traveled from Warm Springs, Oregon to lead this year’s entry.

This year’s event differed from previous years in that it was a social event rather than a competitive one. Instead of a single head drum, drum groups signed up and the first five received a stipend. Likewise, dancers received stipends to sign up in their categories, which included Tiny Tots (5 years and under), Golden Age (55+), Juniors and Adults. For the women/girls, there were Fancy, Jingle and Traditional dances. For the men/boys, there were Fancy, Grass and Traditional dances. Additionally, there were two intertribal dances, where all in attendance, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, were invited to dance together, as well as a Rabbit Dance and a youth hand drum competition.

The powwow also celebrated other cultures. A Nigerian drum group opened the event prior to the grand entry and The Hunters, a family of musicians that include Heritage Professor Dr. Yessenia Hunter and student A Hunter, had a Fandango performance prior to the powwow’s closing round dance.

“Heritage has a special and valued relationship with the Yakama Nation. Our past, present and future are inextricably tied to the Indigenous people of this area. The powwow is an important event for the University and our students and we are all thrilled by its return,” said President Andrew Sund. “We look forward to watching this event grow.”