Montana State University Hosts Annual Powwow Celebration

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Montana State University's American Indian Council held the first day of its annual powwow celebration Friday evening at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.  

The event kicked off around 6:00 p.m. with grand entrances, and festivities are expected to continue late into the night, wrapping up around midnight.  

This year's powwow took on a different format than more traditional gatherings.  

MSU's powwow was held in contest form, meaning participants competed in dancing and singing categories for prize money.  

The powwow is the largest celebration of Native American culture that MSU has ever hosted, and organizers say it holds deep meaning for those involved.  

"All this stuff, you know, visiting old friends, that's just something that's a core part of a powwow is just community," said Titan Brockie, co-president of MSU American Indian Council. "And I think that's something that, you know, everyone here is just, it's what makes it all worth it in the end."  

The celebration featured various dancing and singing contests, with participants split into age-specific categories. 

Traditional Native songs and Crow style dancing took center stage during the event's first day.  

While powwows are full of fun and lively energy, organizers say the most important part of these events is being able to showcase Native American culture.  

"My favorite thing is all of the drummers and singers that came out to support us, because without them we wouldn't be able to have these types of celebrations," said Michaiah Pease, co-president of MSU American Indian Council. 

The annual powwow continues Saturday, March 28, with events beginning around 4:00 p.m.