On Saturday, a little boy not more than three years old was clad head to toe in traditional regalia and danced to the beat of Southern Sun. That day, the little boy was able to learn about his heritage and about American Indian culture in Carmichael Gymnasium.
The Native American Student Association hosted its 16th annual Pow Wow that included traditional ceremonies, song and dance and vendors selling handmade pottery and jewelry to celebrate Native American culture.
“[N.C. State] is one of the nicer Pow Wow’s, we’re always thankful to be here, and our most important thing is the students,” said Shelly Romero, a traditional Native potter and non-traditional student at UNC-Pembroke majoring in art history. “We like to let our young ones see the college life, and encourage them to come to college.”
The event is open to the public and is held annually on campus to promote the significance of Native American culture.
“We’re not a dead people, which some people believe,” Christine McArthur, sophomore in political science, said. “Our culture is still thriving through our heritage and our people.”
Native culture thrived during the event through traditional songs, like the National American Indian Anthem, through native dances that represent several tribes in North Carolina and from the host drum Southern Sun.
The master of ceremonies mentioned that Natives fought for their homelands, overseas and in America. Now, they fight for recognition.
“A lot of students walk by and see people dancing and don’t know what’s going on,” Brad Lowery, a senior in mechanical engineering, said. “It’s a very serious event, and people don’t know because they’re not being educated here.”
Future students will have the chance to be enlightened in the future.
“I found out last night we’re getting a minor in Native American studies,” Lowery said. “There’s a lot of people interested in diversity.”
Previously, those interested in diversity started organizations to promote their heritage since there was no major or minor. In particular, students founded Native American Greek organizations over the past several years.
“I wanted to be part of a group that meant something to us and had a good vision, carry on our culture and reflect Natives in a positive way,” Elliot Lowry, alumnus and founder of Epsilon Chi Nu said. “When I started at State there was one [Greek organization]. We’ve gotten together and grown as a people,” he said.
The growth is certainly evident. Amongst the traditional regalia of the dancers, some student dancers modernized their attire with Greek letter affiliations to promote a University-wide awareness.
“Cultural awareness is important,” Lowry said. “Being at a large university, it’s tough to stand out when you’re a minority. This gives people a chance to get to know other cultures.”
While the event was able to take place through various sponsorships that NASA secures, some feel more support from the college is needed.
“I would love to see the University make the event fully sponsored,” Lowery said. “We get sponsors, but we work really hard. We need a lot more promotion to let people see it.”
Those curious about Native culture are encouraged to ask questions.
“Some people are afraid to ask me if I’m Native American because they might offend me” Lowery said.
When in truth, Lowery said it’s not offensive at all, but rather he likes to promote his people and talk about his heritage, which was the goal of the Pow Wow.
