Rio Rancho Public Schools will host its 17th annual Pow Wow at Rio Rancho High School gym on April 12, from noon to 6 p.m.
The district invites the community to join as they celebrate Native American culture and heritage, allowing younger generations to connect and widen their knowledge of these gatherings as well as bonds among different schools and families.
“The main goal of the annual event is to celebrate the Native American cultures within our community and bring people together,” said Executive Director of Federal, Bilingual and Native American Programs, Suzanne Nguyen-Wisneski.
“Through dancing and drumming, we aim to create an experience that highlights the significance and importance of these traditions,” she added.
The preservation of Native American culture and the promotion of the event aims to offer a platform for Native heritage to be honored through the upholding of various tribes.
These gatherings are also a way to give thanks to spirits and the creator, as it exists in Native American culture throughout the state.
This year’s Spring Pow Wow will feature drumming, dancing, and food trucks offering foods ranging from traditional fry bread to Indian tacos and more.
It is free and open to the public as a family-friendly celebration.
This event has succeeded thanks to community involvement, including head staff nominations and vendor participation.
Vendor fees help create a self-sustaining budget that helps secure the Pow Wow year after year.
Head staff are chosen through a community-based nomination process.
RRPS connects with parents and families of Native American students in their district, relying on word of mouth to reach a larger audience.
This ignites interest for various roles, which include dancers, drummers and special guests of all ages.
This year, the MC for the event will be Aaron Fry from Cherokee and Chickasaw while the arena director will be Terry Pecos from Jemez.
The line-up of artists and dancers is as follows:
- Head Man- Bart Stevens, Shoshone Bannock/ Ute
- Head Woman- Jackie Stevens, Ute
- Head Boy- Mikah Shije, Acoma/Zia and Apache
- Head Girl- Ellia Dudley, Navajo/ Yankton Sioux
- Gourd Dancer- Khyree Allison, Navajo
- Northern Drum Group- Mountain Eagle from Jemez
- Southern Drum Group- Strictly Southern from Hopi
The Gourd dance will be from 12 to 2:30 p.m., and the Grand Entry is set for 3 p.m.
Rio Rancho Public Schools is committed to supporting cultural appreciation and strengthening deep respect for Native American traditions, engaging and educating today’s youth.
For more information about the event, or if interested in becoming a vendor, the Vendor agreement and more details can be found through their website.