ISU helps host first district Powwow

Students and community members danced and celebrated Native culture as the district hosted its first ever Powwow at Ron Russell Middle School on April 18th.

Over 800 people attended the event, and amid the dancing and drumming, a wide variety of vendors sold clothing, paintings, traditional items, and food and drink.

A powwow is an event dedicated to Native Americans and celebrating their culture and includes dancing, music, clothing and tradition. The meaning of a Powwow came from a healing ritual, a sacred ceremony that aims to restore physical, emotional, spiritual balance and wellness. 

The Powwow was organized by the school district staff, the Native American Parental Advisory Committee (NAPAC), and the Indigenous Student Union (ISU), which helped out by volunteering and fundraising for the event. 

NAPAC’s purpose is to “set the priorities, goals, and activities involving the Title VI federal grant,” which is “a federally funded program that provides students of documented American Indian ancestry with supplementary culturally appropriate educational opportunities,” according to the district website.

The ISU, formed in 2021, aims to bring Native American and Native Alaskan students together to “learn more about Native culture, celebrate indigenous heritage and participate in cultural activities.” 

“We had great turnout,” said school social worker and ISU adviser Laura Alexander. “We had many David Douglas families, Native and non-Native, in attendance, as well as members of the local Native community, and partner organizations. It was definitely a very special evening and a success. People had a great time. The ISU is so grateful to the Powwow organizers and to the DDSD community for making this dream a reality!”

ISU meets Wednesdays at lunch, and every other Thursday after school, in room 144. 

ISU will also be serving their delicious fry bread at the International Bite in the breezeway on Wednesday, May 21.