UTTC International Powwow raises scholarship funds for tribal technical college

More than 300,000 worldwide viewers watch celebration during the 53rd annual event in Bismarck, N.D.

Thousands of attendees and more than 700 dancers packed the dance arena at the United Tribes Technical College’s 53rd Annual International Powwow. The yearly scholarship fundraising event took place in Bismarck, N.D.

UTTC’s administrators estimate around 10,000 guests attended their annual events week, including the international powwow and 26th Annual Tribal Leadership Summit. More than 300,000 people from 42 countries tuned in to watch the outdoor dance competition live streamed Sept. 8-10 on powwwows.com.

Since 1970, the tribal college has attracted contestants from the United States and Canada to the international powwow. All the profits collected from it and the college’s events week go directly to student scholarships for the following spring and fall semesters or to the growing endowment, according to a letter by UTTC President Leander McDonald.

The scholarship money derives from entrant, admission, and vendor fees, as well as private and government donors.

The event is one of the biggest powwows in the region, according to Brent Kleinjan, UTTC’s College Relations director. Several months ago, they sold out of all their available spots for vendors. Altogether, 15 food stands and 60 arts and crafts vendors circled the Lone Star Arena.

“It’s a celebration of culture,” said Kelinjan. “A lot of traditions and culture are passed down through song, and through dance, so it’s just a great way for people to come and connect with their heritage. It’s also a great way for people from the community to learn about Native American culture.” He said the amount of money raised is not currently available for at least two more weeks.

Throughout the powwow, competitions showcased traditional, jingle, grass, fancy shawl, fancy feather, and chicken dances.

Kelcey Tiger, one of the thousands of attendees, took part in support of her husband, a singer, and competed as a Southern Cloth dancer in the women’s traditional group.

One of Tiger’s favorite parts of the powwow is seeing the diverse range of Native people in one space. As a dancer, she also says that she appreciates learning about the different styles of dresses and regalia worn during the dance competitions.

“I want people to know that it’s open to everybody,” said Tiger. “A lot of people have a stigma of powwows that only Native Americans can attend, but people should understand that this is for everybody and not just Native Americans.”

While the powwow was a hit, some bumps in the road did crop up. Larissa No Braid, the founder of No Braid Creations, said that she wished vendor scheduling had been better planned and organized.

Journeying through four states all the way from Denver for the powwow, she and her family first spent weeks preparing goods and packing the trailer. No Braid said she received an email last minute advising that setup was opening sooner than expected.

“We got the email Tuesday morning saying that we could set up that day, so it would have been nice if we had gotten that email maybe a week or even two weeks before,” said No Braid. “That way, we could have planned a little better.”

Despite the pressured set-up, No Braid said she had a good experience overall. A citizen of the Three Affiliated Tribes and the Oglala Lakota, she said it was nice to meet new people from across the country. Plus, her small business did well for its first go at the international powwow. She arrived with about 50 pairs of earrings but only had 10 left by the last day of the powwow.

No Braid and Tiger, like many other guests, hope to return for the 2024 powwow. “I would definitely come back next year, even if I wasn’t competing and my husband wasn’t singing. It’s just a really good vibe here,” Tiger said.

Dateline:

BISMARCK, N.D.