The 42nd Annual Rogers State University-Claremore Graduation Powwow will be held on Saturday, April 13.
The powwow will be held from 2:00-11:00 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.
The powwow schedule includes a gourd dance from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and a supper break from 5:00-6:00 p.m., with the gourd dance resuming from 6:00-6:45 p.m. The grand entry will begin at 7:00 p.m. All area high school and college graduates will be recognized at 8:00 p.m.
Head powwow staff includes Craig Satepauhoodle, head singer; Ray Rodgers, master of ceremonies; the Blackbeard Descendants, head gourd dancers; Mary Jo Pratt, head lady dancer; Nokose Foley, head man dancer; and Karl Beaston, arena director.
The color guard will be Thunderbird Youth Academy of Pryor, Okla.
Dance competitions will include first, second and third place prizes for buckskin, cloth, jingle, fancy shawl, straight, grass, traditional and fancy categories; and junior competitions will be held for girls, boys and “tiny tots.”
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 about participation or attendance at the powwow, call 918-343-7566 or e-mail [email protected].