April 8, 2010

 

Contacts:

Tammy Rea, MSU Billings Diversity Center, 896-5902
American Indian Outreach Office/Intertribal Indian Club, 657-2182

 

‘Coming Home’ celebrates return of annual event to Alterowitz Gym

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — American Indian traditions and culture will be on center stage this weekend at the Montana State University Billings main campus when the Intertribal Indian Club’s annual powwow gets under way.

 

powwow dancers

Running April 9-10, the theme of this year’s powwow is “Coming Home,” noting the return of the event to Alterowitz Gymnasium for the first time in 15 years.

 

Along with the location change, the powwow committee made up of campus staff, faculty and students, has shifted the focus.  MSU Billings hopes to reconnect with Native American alumni, showcase MSU Billings, Native American students and 2010 graduates, and welcome newcomers to experience and celebrate a vibrant cultural event.

 

Following are highlights of this year’s event:

  • Grand Entries will be on Friday, April 9 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 10 at noon.
  • Competitive dancers and drum groups, to be held throughout the weekend.
  • Craft Show, with vendors from around the state and region.
  • Art sale/contest  to be held both days. Artists are welcome to walk in and register at the event. There is a $5 fee per item that is entered into the contest, however there is no fee to display or sell art pieces.
  • Youth Alliance will be available for children ages 6-17 years of age.  This event offers cultural activities for the kids and the opportunity for urban and reservation services to build a relationship that will benefit the youth they serve.

MSU Billings looks forward to hosting over 2,000 guests over the weekend.

 

The general admission price is $10 per session and $15 for the weekend for adults; elders (those aged 66 and older) and children between 6-11 are $5 per session. Children under 6 are free. 

 

For further information, contact the American Indian Outreach Office/ Intertribal Indian Club at 657-2182 or Tammy Rea at the Diversity Center at 896-5902.