University Communications and Marketing
April 3, 2019
MSU Billings hosts 51st Powwow
April 5-6 themed “Honoring Our Future Leaders”
Contact:
University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266
Story by Michaela Talksabout, Native American Achievement Center intern
MSU BILLINGS NEWS—The Native American Achievement Center at Montana State University Billings will host its 51st Powwow on April 5 and April 6. The cultural event will be held in Alterowitz Gym, 1500 University Drive, Billings, Mont.
On April 5, Grand Entry begins at 6 p.m. with festivities ending at 12 a.m. On April 6, Grand Entry begins at 12 p.m. with events ending at 12 a.m.
This year, Kenneth “Tuffy” Helgeson will announce the powwow events while Kasey Nicholson will serve as the arena director. Will GreyBull from Billings, Mont. is the Head Man and Jonna Chavez from Crow Agency, Mont. is the Head Woman. Tharyn Headswift, representing the Northern Cheyenne Nation, is the Head Gourd Dancer.
New this year is the MSUB Powwow Basketball Tournament. The basketball tournament is being held to create awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters. The basketball tournament will be held in the lower gym of the Physical Education building, beginning at 2 p.m. on April 5 and 8 a.m. on April 6. Up to eight people can comprise a team. The team registration fee is $250, payable by check made out to MSUB Powwow, prior to the game. To register for the basketball tournament contact Jonethyn Collins at collinsjonny10@gmail.com.
“The Powwow allows the entire family to participate in cultural activities that bring joy to dancers and singers, with the opportunity to engage openly and skillfully in a moment of complete cultural immersion,” shares Reno Charette, director of the Native American Achievement Center at MSU Billings.
As in previous years, Native American alumni of MSU Billings (or its previous name, Eastern Montana College), are invited to an Alumni Powwow Breakfast on April 6, at 10 a.m., at the Northern Hotel, 19 North Broadway, Billings, Mont., 59101.
All are welcome to attend and experience this long-lasting Billings community tradition. Admission is free to attend all Powwow events.
For more information visit our website, find us on Facebook, 51st Annual MSUB Powwow, email powwow@msubillings.edu or call (406) 657-2182.