It’s all in the title: The 47th annual Mother’s Day Powwow, hosted by the UO’s Native American Student Union, will include everything that a traditional powwow does — feasting, dancing, singing and celebration.

The events will take place May 8-10, with most of them at McArthur Court and a few at the Many Nations Longhouse. Not only are students and their families invited, but the citywide community also is encouraged to attend, free of cost.

The weekend will begin at McArthur Court at 7 p.m. May 8 with a formal grand entry — a full-dress, ceremonial event that includes dancing, drumming, color guards and tribal elders. The evening, complete with friendly competitions and music performances, will last until 11 p.m.

Nick Sixkiller, a local radio host, will serve as the master of ceremonies, along with performances from renowned Pacific Northwest drum groups Black Lodge and Ghost Canyon. Throughout the weekend, powwow-goers will also have the opportunity shop from Native vendors. 

On May 9, another grand entry will be made into the arena at noon, followed by dance competitions, drum exhibitions and singing performances until 5 p.m., when dinner will be served. When the plates are cleared, a final grand entry into McArthur Court will occur at 7 p.m. with music and games recommencing until 11 p.m.

On Sunday, May 10, an afternoon salmon bake will be held at 1 p.m. at the Many Nations Longhouse.

— By Nathaniel Brown, Public Affairs Communications intern