Male Pow Wow Dancer with face paint and woven, feathered headress

ASU Pow Wow

Photos by Tim H. Murphy Photography

April 21-23, 2023

Desert Financial Arena

 

ASU Clear Bag Policy will be in place.

 


2023 Event Information

Master of Ceremonies: Edmond Nevaquayah

Arena Director: Darrell Goodwill

Head Judge: Marshall Baker

Head Gourd Dancer: Ipa Dutchover-Grey

Host Northern Drum: The Descendants

Host Southern Drum: MoTown

 

Arts and Crafts Vendor Inquiries, please email asupwvendors@gmail.com.
We are not accepting outside Food Vendors.

 

 

Schedule of Events

 

Friday, April 21, 2023

Doors Open 5:00 p.m.

Gourd Dancing 5:30 p.m.

Grand Entry 7:00 p.m.

Contest and Intertribal Dancing

Closing 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Doors Open 11:00 a.m.

Gourd Dancing 11:30 a.m.

Grand Entry 1:00 p.m.

Contest & Intertribal Dancing

Supper Break 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Grand Entry 7:00 p.m.

Contest and Intertribal Dancing

Closing 11:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Doors Open 11:00 a.m.

Gourd Dancing 11:30 a.m.

Grand Entry 1:00 p.m.

Contest & Intertribal Dancing

Closing 6:00 p.m.


The contemporary Pow Wow is a link to the past that helps maintain Native Heritage.  Seen by outsiders as entertainment due to the singing, dancing, and colorful regalia, the Pow Wow is a spiritual legacy which should be treated with respect and honor.  It is a time for Indian families to be together with other family members and friends.  It is a time of sharing, of laughter and tears, of learning, and of caring.  It is a time when Indians reflect on their traditions.  It is a time to honor the past and celebrate the future.

Indian families travel hundreds of miles to attend Pow Wows across the continent.  Time and distance are not relevant.  The renewal of traditions and reinforcement of the heritage is the important thing.  It is a time to strengthen the circle.

The word "Pow Wow" comes from the Algonquin word "Pau Wau" which was used to describe medicine men and spiritual leaders.  Early Europeans thought that the word referred to the entire event.   As Indian tribes learned English, they accepted this definition.