Concordia College hosted the 31st annual Woodlands and High Plains Powwow, with an estimated 2,000 people attending the event. The theme for this year was “Generational Resilience.”
“We dance and gather to remind ourselves of the sacrifices our grandparents and great-grandparents made so that we’re able to gather this way,” said Alexa Girard, one of the head dancers. “Our elders really fought for us to be able to do this, so it’s important that we don’t take it for granted and that we pass these ways onto the next generations.”
The powwow featured many styles of dance and drum songs from the area tribes, including Naamikaagejig (the ones who dance with a purpose for the people), Old Style Jingle Dress Special, the Potato Dance, and Men’s Fancy.
The last two years’ events were canceled due to COVID-19. Tyrel Iron Eyes, the North Dakota State University Tribal Initiatives director, said it was important for people to be able to gather in person.
“Powwows are inherently social events, celebrations of culture and tradition,” said Iron Eyes. “Having the powwow again not only gives us the chance to be social together as a community, but it’s also an avenue for the Indigenous communities at the universities, colleges, and greater Fargo-Moorhead area to see themselves represented and celebrated at these institutions."
Girard said the pandemic taught her to not take gatherings like this for granted.
“I definitely danced harder this year, just knowing that it’s not promised that I’ll be able to go to a powwow again,” Girard said. “I think hugs were tighter and smiles were brighter this time around.”
The annual powwow is sponsored by Concordia, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State), North Dakota State University, and North Dakota State College of Science. The colleges rotate hosting the event.
