Silver City, NM- As a new semester begins, campus clubs and organizations start working towards new goals and plan new events. This was clearly the case for The Native American Club on Wednesday, February 17, as they worked hard selling Indian Tacos in order to raise funds to attend The Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque. The Gathering of Nations is the largest Powwow in the nation and is an excellent opportunity for The Native American Club.
“It is important that our Native American students stay connected with their culture, traditions, and people.” said The Native American Club advisor Dr. Scott Fritz, “It helps them feel better about who they are.”
The Powwow runs deep in Native American culture, originally starting as a religious ceremony for tribal medicine men. Since the 1920’s however, Powwows have taken on a new role in being a place for Native American dancers and drum troupes to preform and compete.
“Powwows really became popular in with the public in the last half of the twentieth century.” Dr. Fritz explained, “Powwows really emerged when the tribes wanted to reassert their sovereignty, reclaim their traditions, and overturn the policies of termination.”
The Indian Termination Policy was an attempt to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society. The result was the termination of over 100 tribes and the loss of over a million acers of reservation. Powwows raised support for the tribes to not only stop the Termination Acts but also reestablish some of the reservations. Powwows now in day are open to the public and are a great way to learn about Native American Culture.
“We are inviting non-Native American Students to go with us to The Gathering of Nations. You just need to attend the club meetings and be willing to work at our other events.” Dr. Fritz said.
Don’t worry if you missed out on the taco sale; The Native American Club is planning more Indian Taco sales later in the semester. But that’s not all The Native American Club is looking forward to.
“We are planning several events for Great Race as well as a service project for SpritHorse Freedom Rider.” continued Dr. Fritz.
Additionally, the Native American Club is renewing their pursuit of work-study students in order to keep The Native American Cultural Center open full time. However these opportunities are only available for club members. The Gathering of Nations will be held April 28 through 30. If you are interested in joining The Native American Club, meetings are held on Friday afternoons at 3:00 pm.
