On the Powwow Trail

Page 17

Education the focus of powwow

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams," was the theme of the 18th Annual University of North Dakota Indian Association (UNDIA) Timeout and Wacipi, held at Grand Forks, North Dakota, on April 6 to 13.

The University of North Dakota enrols over 400 Indian students from across the United States with a special emphasis at the graduate level and the medical program. Many of the national leaders especially in the medical field are UNDIA graduates.

The agenda with its list of prominent leaders covered all facets of Indian people politically, socially, economically and ecologically. As part of the entertainment both Winston Wuttunee and I performed at the memorial union on Thursday. Because of prior commitments and studio work, I could only attend the first day of the powwow or wacipi.

The powwow was well attended by both Indian and non-Indian people and because of the size of the Fieldhouse one could not get an accurate estimate. There were about 200 registered dancers and about 12 drums, hosted by the Eagle Whistle Drum of Mandaree, North Dakota.

The Saturday night session was highlighted by a special Grass Dance competition, which attracted some of the best champions. The finals drew the larges applause, clearly recognizing Saunders Bearstail Jr. as the champion. More popularly known as "B.T." Saunders-is a champion Fancy Dancer who has crossed over into Grass with his known style of smoothness, and footwork similar to that of the Grass Dance style.

The president of the university was honoured by UNDIA with a dance, for his support of Indian people.

Another unexpected highlight of the evening was the introduction and statement by Yeugeny Yevtushenko, a Soviet poet and key literary figure in the USSR. He is being credited with being at the forefront of the movement for openness anti-semitism fame and artistic freedom in the Soviet Union. Being in Siberia, he studied with respect the plight of the American Indian and dreamed for the day to see the first American Indian. He sympathizes and supports the American Indians strife for freedom and sovereignty.

Elmer White, Sioux of Fort Totem, North Dakota, served as master of ceremonies for the powwow. He is recognized as perhaps one of the best emcees in the powwow world with his usual Indian humor and knowledge of the powwow way.