Photo by Beth Pahl/The Siskiyou
Charyl Stinnett from Fort Cobb, Okla. stands proudly in traditional Native American dress.

The cadence of the drums pound faster and faster as the jangle of bells and jingle dresses echo the beat of human voice and dance. Beads, shells and feathers adorn the dancers in regalia presented in vibrant rainbow shades and natural earthy tones.

Music and dance filled McNeal Pavilion during the grand entry of SOU's Native American Student Union's 16th Annual Spring Powwow and Tribal Gathering Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13.

"It is a beautiful international gathering," said David West, Native American studies program director. He expressed his pleasure at using this venue as a multicultural and cross-cultural educational opportunity.

The grand entry song was performed by Perfect Storm of Hobbema, Alberta, Canada, the host drum group of this year's event. As the group's song filled the air and Master of Ceremonies Marc McNair welcomed visitors to this spring's festivities, the color guard preceded the dancers into the pavilion. Opening prayer by West followed.

The Flag Song, in honor of the American and Native American flags, was sung by The Mankillers, an all-woman drum group from Northern California and preceded Victory Charging Song and dance.

Before traditional drum songs and open dance filled the afternoon, all military veterans and Native royalty were honored and introduced.

"The Native royalty are elected to represent tribal movements such as youth leadership or sobriety for individual tribes, reservations and nation," said Rebekah Tillery, NASU publicity coordinator.

The tribes of the Klamath River presented a special Brush Dance demonstration at powwow.

"Brush Dance is a traditional intertribal healing dance between the tribes of the Klamath River," said Maymi Preston, of Northern California, who coordinated the demonstration. "It's a community prayer for the person who is ill," said Preston.

Brush dance is a ceremonial dance that is almost always performed only in private, Tillery explained. This demonstration utilized dance steps, style and song from such a ceremony.

"Since it is normally such a private dance, for them to come and do the demonstration for us is special. We are honored they came," said Tillery.

Throughout the powwow, individuals were honored for community and personal achievement.

The multitude of individual dancers that attended this year's event were organized by Arena Director Lynn Schonchin who was in charge of the dance floor and making sure dancers conducted themselves in a dignified manner, Tillery explained. Ed Goodell and Kelli Cunningham served as head man and woman dancers. They acted as role models in proper dancing style and regalia, according to Tillery.

The two days of dancing and music reflect the two months of dedicated preparation by NASU such as preparing posters and press releases, reserving the gymnasium, contacting the fire marshal and verifying accident insurance. Drummers were contacted and invited one month in advance, and community sponsorship was sought, explained Tillery and Christina King, NASU and powwow committee member.

"It's a blessing to be able to do it for the community and the university, but it's a lot of work," said King. "Everybody's heart is in it so much they're willing to forgo sleep to prepare it." It was mostly students who prepared and hosted the powwow.

Other events at this year's powwow included dance and hand drum competitions, a raffle for a Pendleton wool blanket and venders selling Native-style wares and art.