The 41st Annual RSU-Claremore Graduation Powwow will be held on Saturday, April 14, at Rogers State University.
The powwow will be held from 2:00-11:00 p.m. in the Bushyhead Field House on RSU’s Claremore campus.
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 Longhorn, head lady dancer; Colton Backwards, head man dancer; and Robert Soldier, arena director.
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.
By Monique Demarais, RSU PR Intern