American Indian Council to host first Powwow Since Covid

The 46th annual American Indian Council (AIC) Powwow, a gathering celebrating Native American culture, is taking place at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on Friday, March 25, and Saturday, March 26. This event is for friends and families of all different backgrounds to come together to celebrate through tribal dances, great food and arts and crafts. 

AIC co-presidents, senior Cheyenne Whiteman and sophomore Naomi Redfield, are ecstatic to host this empowering event, especially since they weren’t able to the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The AIC has put in endless hard work so Bozeman can experience yet another significant Powwow.

“I’m actually particularly really excited about this pow because this is the first in-person powwow we’ve had since COVID happened,” said Redfield. “It's a way for us to show our culture and actually have our roots with us when we dance, and are with our families, and are laughing again. I think it's going to be a real big healing for everyone after these last few years.”

The grand entry begins at 6 p.m. on March 25 with many dance and drum competitions to attend. Both Whiteman and Redfield will be dancing in the Powwow to represent and share their tribe’s traditions.

“I love to dance. So for me getting out there and getting back in my outfit, it’s really just exciting and the jingledress is a healing dance and after everything that happened with COVID it’s really special for me and I don't take it lightly,” said Whitefield.

This weekend is not only going to be jam packed with fun but it's also going to be unforgettable for everyone joining. Both Whiteman and Redfield are excited for the community aspects that the event brings. “I think it's going to be really nice for everyone, especially for the communities to come together because when everyone comes down here for the Powwows, everyone sees family and friends that they haven’t seen for a while,” Redfield said.

Whiteman and Redfield want everyone to feel safe and welcome to join. This event is free to attend, so head on over to the Brick Breeden this weekend.“This is an all inclusive event, it’s for everyone and I can't emphasize that more,” Whiteman reiterates with excitement.