Friday, March 22, 2024 480

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Under the theme “Embracing our Identities,” Fort Lewis College is hosting the 58th annual Hozhoni Powwow at FLC, the longest-running cultural celebration. 

Also known as "Days of Beauty," the Hozhoni Powwow is a two-day event of scholarship exhibit, powwow, arts &crafts market, and celebration of cultures. The powwow will be held in the Whalen Gymnasium at Fort Lewis College. 

Hozhoni Days also includes the Hozhoni Ambassador Scholarship Exhibition. Formerly known as the Ms. Hozhoni Pageant, the exhibition is a contest of public speaking and presentations. The person holding the Hozhoni Ambassador title is the ambassador of Wanbli Ota and the FLC Indigenous community. The exhibition will be held on Tuesday, March 26, from 6–8 p.m. at the Student Union Ballroom. 

The Hozhoni Days Powwow activities include youth contests on Friday, March 29, with Gourd Dance planned at 4 p.m., p.m. and Grand Entry at 6 p.m. The adult and golden age contests will be Saturday, March 30, with the Gourd Dance at 1 p.m. and Grand Entry at 4 p.m. 

All events are free and open to the public. 

This year’s Master of Ceremonies is Boye Ladd Sr. (HoChunk and Zuni Nation). A wounded and decorated combat Veteran, he was active in state, federal, and international politics for over 30 years. A Fancy and Hoop Dance World Champion, he's toured officially worldwide as an entertainer, choreographer, and director. 

In addition, the Powwow Head Staff includes Arena Director Marty Pinnecoose (Southern Ute and Jicarilla Apache). Head Gourd: Chad Pfieffer (Diné); Head Judge Rick Yazzie (Navajo Diné, Doko'o'osliidP); Head Man: Kyle Toya (Pueblo and Comanche) from Zia Pueblo; Head Woman: Sloan Shotton (Otoe Missouria, Kiowa, Iowa, Wichita, Cheyenne and Caddo); Tabulator: Shamaray amnd Nathan Littlechild (Diné and Cree); Southern Host Drum: Buc Wild (Chinle, Arizona); Northern Host Drum: Shiprock Agency (Diné and Lakota). (Diné and Cree); Southern Host Drum: Buc Wild (Chinle, Arizona); Northern Host Drum: Shiprock Agency (Diné and Lakota). 

Photography and videography are allowed at the event, except for prayers/blessings, at which time we ask you to refrain from recording/photographing.  

For additional information, including transportation and lodging, visit the Hozhoni Days website: https://www.fortlewis.edu/hozhoni-days-powwow. 

Media Contact: Nardy Baeza Bickel, nbickel@fortlewis.edu