First Pow Wow at MCC celebrates Native American culture

Photo of Karlyle Stephens
Karlyle Stephens
Mesa Legend
A performer wears a traditional Native American headdress.
A performer wears a traditional Native American headdress.

It’s easy, and of course necessary at times, to call out, criticize, and expose the many flaws that exist in our land of injustice.  In this case, it becomes most important to appreciate and if possible participate with those groups who would rather dedicate their energy to celebrating and uplifting a specific peoples or cultures.  For this reason, MCC is fortunate to have on-campus clubs like the Inter-tribal Student Organization.  ISO has hosted two great events in just a month that’s aimed at preserving and honoring Native American cultures and tradition. In March, was the Indigenous art showcase, and most recently, the campus grounds were blessed with the first Pow Wow in years.

 

 

Miss Native MCC, Brianna Allen Mutemya.
Miss Native MCC, Brianna Allen Mutemya.

The event was a big success, bringing out Native people from all across the country, as well as a diverse crowd; many  who were first timers to this social gathering that has always been a sacred and powerful part of native American culture.  It was fascinating to witness the dances, the elaborate feathery jingle outfits, and feel through beating drums underneath passionate vocal chants; the spirt of the land’s ancestors.  Food for the event was provided by the family of Brianna Allen Mutemya, who represents ISO as Miss Native MCC, and at the event was referred to as the “Princess”. Mutemya is proud to host these events and wants to encourage everyone to get involved with ISO in keeping the culture of Natives alive.

The American Indian institute is a department on campus that works close with ISO and also supports these events. Talia White works in the institute, which primarily helps native students academically and provides them with advisement. White, who was the host of the Indigenous Art Show, says she’s proud of ISO for being able to put together the powwow. White, who feels Native cultural heritage has been dwindling for generations now,  thinks it’s important to have these kinds of events because its “not only for Native students, but also to raise awareness to all students on campus.”  She says the first MCC Pow Wow acted as a sort of kickoff for a powwow season that will continue on to ASU in mid April, NAU, and then finish with a huge Native gathering in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  For more information on the Inter- Tribal Student Organization, they encourage students of all backgrounds to join in on their meetings which take place every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in room GC 103.

Dancers make last minute preparations to their clothing before performing.
Dancers make last minute preparations to their clothing before performing.
PHOTOS BY TANIA RITKO
  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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