University Tribal Relations

As with any institution, the University of Washington’s main goal when considering tribal relations is maintaining a relationship that will result in profit. Since 1971, the annual spring PowWow has been hosted by First Nations UW. This event is instrumental in creating a space of community between Native tribes and a greater celebration of Indigenous culture. One year the university attempted to shorten the powwow and move it to a smaller location, resulting in organizing and protesting by Native students. When speaking with Professor Daniel Hart of the American Indian Studies department, he provided valuable information regarding the histories of Indigenous resistance on campus that were otherwise difficult to encounter. 

“They were shooting themselves in the foot, because the PowWow at that point in time was the universities’ main point of contact with tribal communities and tribal families and they could spend a half a million dollars a year on brochures which they’ll do at the drop of a hat trying to convince folks that this is the right place to send their kids. And that wouldn’t do a tenth of what the PowWow does, convincing Native families that this is an appropriate and safe place to send their kids.” 

Maintaining events like the annual PowWow is crucial in fostering a positive relationship between Native students and the UW. With the histories of erasure and eradication, the university’s slow and minimal support of events like the PowWow displays how seriously they truly view essential components of Native culture. Ensuring the PowWow continues to take place year after year is a tangible demonstration of Native presence and celebration, which does more for Indigenous students than a land acknowledgment.