The University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno will honor Native communities by holding its annual University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno Powwow next Saturday, Aug. 24, on the University’s quad. The event will follow the University Powwow Pageant on Friday, Aug. 23, and the winners will be crowned during the Powwow.
The event is designed to encourage students to bring their families to campus, celebrate their culture and tribal traditions and learn about different resources offered to Indigenous students. The event will feature traditional dancing, food vendors, regalia, crafts, competitions and other activities. Collaborators for the event include The Multicultural Center, the Native American Alumni Chapter (NAAC), The Office of Indigenous Relations, the local community and out-of-state supporters.
Daphne Emm Hooper, the director of The Office of Indigenous Relations at the University and a member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, says the event is free of charge and open to students, alumni and the community. In addition to the celebration of cultures, she also stated that the event serves as a welcome-back celebration intended to engage Indigenous students and their families for the new school year.
“This is an event in which the Tribal communities can share their culture and heritage with the University students, families and community,” Emm Hooper said. “We also have a pageant, which crowns ambassadors for the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä.”
The pageant, organized by the Native American Alumni Chapter, allows competitors to showcase their talents to become the next University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno Powwow 2024 royalty. The Pageant will take place on Friday, Aug. 23, the day before the Powwow event. The titles to be won include Brave & Princess, Jr. Brave & Princess, Tiny Tot Brave & Princess and an Indigenous Student Ambassador.
Tribal communities from across the western United States attend the event, providing those who haven’t had a chance to see the school with a comprehensive understanding of the campus and University. This is a great opportunity to build connections between the University and Tribal communities.
The event will be from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 on the University’s Quad. The Pageant will take place the day before at 6 p.m. Those interested in participating in the pageant or the Powwow can find more information on the Powwow website, or they can email or call The Center at thecenter@unr.edu and 775-784-4936.
