RSU to Host Graduation Powwow April 30

The 45th Annual Rogers State University Claremore Graduation Honor Powwow will be held on Saturday, April 30.

The powwow will be held from 2-9 p.m. in the Bushyhead Field House on RSU’s Claremore campus. The events are free and open to the public.

All area high school and college graduates are invited to participate in the powwow, which is hosted by the RSU Native American Student Association and the RSU Department of Fine Arts.

The powwow schedule includes a gourd dance from 2-5 p.m. and a supper break from 5-6 p.m., with the gourd dance resuming from 6-6:45 p.m.

The grand entry will begin at 7 p.m. All area high school and college graduates will be recognized at 8 p.m.

Head powwow staff includes Craig Satepauhoodle, head singer; Ray Rodgers, master of ceremonies; the Blackbeard Descendants, head gourd dancers; Alisabeth Narcomey, head lady dancer; Lorenzo “Bo” Beard, head man dancer; and Robert Anquoe, arena director.

The color guard will be provided by the Thunderbird Youth Academy of Pryor, Oklahoma.

Dance competitions will include prizes for the fancy dance special and southern cloth special categories, with first place receiving $200, second place $50, third place $30 and fourth place $20. The prizes are sponsored by the Satepauhoodle family.

Competitions will be also be held in the buckskin, jingle, fancy shawl, straight, grass and traditional categories with first, second and third place prizes receiving $50, $30 and $20, respectively; and junior competitions will be held for girls, boys and “tiny tots” (who must be in regalia).

A variety of Native American foods will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the concession stand will benefit the Rogers County Cherokee Association. Vendors must provide a $30 donation to the RSU Native American Student Association or equivalent item.

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 918-343-7566.