Join the festivities when the All Nations Leadership Association and the San Juan College Native American Center host the All Nations Benefit Powwow at San Juan College on Sept. 20 - 21.
The event is expected to run Friday evening and all day on Saturday.
“It’s PowWow time again,” exclaims Byron Tsabetsaye, director of the Native American Center. “We are happy to welcome back our Powwow family from the head staff to the dancers to our vendors and guests. Most of all, I am thrilled to carry on this tradition and support student cultural programming on campus.”
“This is an event that brings the community together,” says Samuel Blackie, former president for the All Nations Leadership Association. “We, as a club, have been looking for ways to enhance the experience of this year’s Powwow for the students, the guests, the vendors and the Head Staff. This is a unique opportunity to welcome people to San Juan College.”
“The All Nations Leadership Association is happy the Powwow is being held on campus for the second year in a row,” says Kelsi Monroe, a student and member of the All Nations Leadership Association. “We are especially proud of the dance specials, like the one the Native American Center is sponsoring for current students and alumni.”
During Saturday’s event, Ms. Indigenous San Juan College 2018-2019, Charlene Begay, will pass her crown to the newly selected Ms. Indigenous San Juan College for the 2019-2020 school year. Ms. Indigenous San Juan College has been a long-running tradition, which further promotes cultural sharing and Indigenous women empowerment and representation. During her reign, Begay served as a role model, leader and representative of San Juan College while sharing her Native American culture with a wider audience, like previous pageant winners have done in the past. The coronation will take place on Saturday evening.
Invited host groups include the Northern Host Drum, Shiprock Agency, from Shiprock, New Mexico, with the lead singer, Michael King, and the Southern Host Drum, The Wanderers from Towaoc, Colorado with lead singer, Afrem Wall. Erny Zah will preside as the master of ceremonies, while Phillip Moosomin will serve as arena director, with Audio Chief providing the sound system.
General admission to the Powwow is $5, those over 60 years of age (with photo ID) $4, with a San Juan College ID $3, and children 5 and under are free. Cash only. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Artists or vendors with art and goods related to Native American culture can reserve spaces by calling 505-566-3321, emailing nac@sanjuancollege.edu or visiting the webpage at www.sanjuancollege.edu/nac
The San Juan College Powwow is an alcohol and drug-free event. For further information, call the San Juan College Native American Center at 505-566-3321 or 505-566-3623. Follow the Facebook event page for the most current details of the Powwow, search “All Nations Benefit Powwow.”
