UMD Powwow
About:
Pow Wow is a Native gathering, where those from various tribal backgrounds can celebrate their culture, life, and each other’s company. It is an exciting time that often includes dancing, drumming, food, contests, and other activities. Powwows serve as a way to keep traditions alive and educate the future generations, while also sharing Native culture with others. All attendees must be respectful and follow the rules, but everyone is welcome!
Sponsors:
Contact Kyrsha Balderas (balderas@umd.edu) if you would like to sponsor the UMD Pow Wow.
Get involved with the Pow Wow:
2025 Event Information:
Please see below for parking information! The schedule will be released soon!
Schedule & Activity Descriptions
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00AM | Doors Open, Vendors Open | |
| 11:30AM | Color Guard & Special Guest Roll Call | Preparation for Grand Entry |
| 11:45AM | Drum Roll Call & Dancer Line Up | Preparation for Grand Entry |
| 12:00PM | Grand Entry & Welcome | Grand Entry is when the dancers enter into the arena, please follow guidance provided by the Master of Ceremonies for when to stand and sit out of respect. Welcome remarks and introduction of special guests. |
| 12:30PM | Intertribal/Spot Dance | Intertribal is a dance where everyone is encouraged to dance (even visitors). After the intertribal, the arena director will follow the MC directions to a random spot and the closest person wins a prize. Audience Participation Encouraged! |
| 12:45PM | Potato Dance Special | The Potato Dance is a fun and social tradition, where two people dance with a potato positioned in between both their foreheads. The goal is to keep moving to the music and not to let the potato drop. If it does, those competitors must leave the dance floor. The last pair left with the potato still in place wins! |
| 1:00PM | Men's and Women's Dance Exhibition | This is an exhibition or showcase of the various dancer categories. |
| 1:30PM | Candy Dance | The Candy Dance invites all children into the arena. In order for the kids to get the candy, they must be very good listeners and follow the MC’s directions. |
| 2:00PM | Intermission Performance | A Hoop Dance performance and an invitation to learn a routine on the spot. (audience participation encouraged) |
| 2:00PM | Dance Break | Dancers and drummers will take a break at this time. |
| 2:45PM | Intertribal & Spot Dance | Intertribal is a dance where everyone is encouraged to dance (even visitors). After the intertribal, the arena director will follow the MC directions to a random spot and the closest person wins a prize. Audience Participation Encouraged! |
| 3:15PM | MMIR Special | |
| 3:30PM | Street Clothes Special | This is a contest dance and judges will determine the 1st-3rd place winners. |
| 3:45PM | Sweetheart | The Sweetheart Special is a couple dance. The couples will showcase their dance and their love for one another. This is a contest dance and judges will determine the 1st-3rd place winners. |
| 4:00PM | Last Intertribal/Spot Dance | Intertribal is a dance where everyone is encouraged to dance (even visitors). After the intertribal, the arena director will follow the MC directions to a random spot and the closest person wins a prize. Audience Participation Encouraged! |
| 4:30PM | Round Dance | Round dances are social dances and used for a variety of gatherings. To conclude the dancing portion of the powwow, we will close with traveling and friendship round dances. Audience Participation Encouraged! |
| 4:45PM | Retire Flags and Closing Song | This signifies the closing of the powwow. |
| 5:00PM | Pow Wow Concludes | Thank you for coming and travel safely! |
Parking Information:
Please plan for plenty of extra time due to campus construction.
Free Parking:
Lots J1 (Behind The Hotel)- 5-8 minute walk
J2 (Behind Ritchie) - 1-2 minute walk
L (Around Reckord Armory) - 5-8 minute walk
C1 (Visitor Center) - 3-5 minute walk
S9 (Near Thurgood Marshall Hall) - (5-8 min walk)
Pay-to-Park Location:
Regents Drive Garage ($15/day) 10-15 minute walk to Ritchie.
Accessible Parking:
Accessible parking is limited and there are some handicap parking spaces outside of Ritchie Coliseum, Visitors Center, and Thurgood Marshall Hall.
Parking Map Key:
Green color spaces: Free Parking on Weekends
Yellow Color Lines: Construction
Who can attend the powwow?
All are welcome! Powwows are a time of celebration, and welcome to those who have native or non-native backgrounds. It is a great opportunity to support Native artists, try Native food, learn about different cultures, and celebrate Native heritage.
What should I wear?
Dress appropriately and comfortably. Avoid any clothing that would be considered offensive or inappropriate.
Can spectators participate?
Yes, there will be an opportunity for everyone to participate. An “Intertribal” dance is where all attendees can dance, the MC will let you know when that time is. Whether you are native or non-native, everyone can join in!
Can I take pictures/record videos?
Some moments in a powwow should not be recorded. Pay attention to the MC, to know when is an appropriate time to take pictures or record videos. Always ask for permission from individuals if you want to take a picture or video of them.
Can I ask questions?
It’s okay to not understand something, especially if this is your first time attending a powwow. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage in conversations with dancers, vendors, or other participants. Be respectful, enjoy yourself, and have a wonderful time!
-Listen to the Master of Ceremonies(MC)
The MC manages the Pow Wow, ensuring it stays on schedule and maintains protocol and decorum.
-The Circle
Serves as the hub for activities, and is considered sacred ground once blessed with smudging(burning of sage). The circle should be treated with the utmost respect and honor. Entry is through invitation only, do not walk across it!
-Arena Director
The guardian of the circle, ensuring order and overseeing all activities within.
-Photography and Videography
Generally is allowed but always ask for permission first! Some ceremonies are sacred and do not allow any kind of photography. Check in with the host, MC, and whoever you want to record.
-Regalia
Participants wear ceremonial clothing known as “Regalia”. It is not a “costume”, it is a genuine expression of cultural traditions. Please refrain from touching a dancer’s regalia without their permission. Regalia can be family heirlooms, created by the dancer themselves or family and friends. It is always important to be respectful towards the cultural and personal significance of a dancer’s regalia.
-The Drum
The heartbeat of the Pow Wow, essential for dancing and the event overall. “The Drum” refers to both the instrument and the Singers that surround it.
-Visitors
Everyone is welcomed! Guests are expected to observe, ask questions, shop, eat, and more, while respecting the traditions and culture by listening and following the MC’s guidance and rules of conduct. Respect everyone and treat everyone with kindness!
Common Men’s Dances
- Include Men’s Traditional Dance, Men’s Fancy Dance, and Grass Dance. Each of these dances have unique movements and narratives.
Common Women’s Dances
- Include Women’s Traditional Dance, Women’s Fancy Shawl, and Women’s Jingle Dress Dance. These dances are mostly narrative and symbolic.
Social Dances
- Dances such as Intertribal and Round Dance offer an opportunity for all, guests included, to step into the circle and join together in unity.