University Communications and Marketing

Children at the 2014 annual MSU Billings Powwow

49^th annual MSU Billings Powwow starts April 7

‘Blessing the Heartbeat’ takes place in Alterowitz Gymnasium on April 7-8. Public invited to this free event.

Full agenda available here.

Contacts:

Reno Charette, Director of American Indian Outreach, 657-2144

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Colorful pageantry and lively music will once again fill the Alterowitz Gym at Montana State University Billings next weekend.

The university will host the 49^th Annual MSUB Powwow, which will commence with the Grand Entry at 6p.m., Friday, April 7 and continues through Saturday, April 8.

Director of American Indian Outreach Reno Charette said powwows are held across the country and strive to renew the culture and rich heritage of American Indians.

“Students, faculty and staff join together to help put this event on,” Charette said. “Our MSU Billings powwow is one of the biggest student-led American Indian events in the Northwest.” 

The powwow will draw some 3,000 people to the two-day event. Weekend highlights include dance competitions for all ages and with multiple categories. Typically, about 500 dancers enter the competition, which gives cash prizes for the top winners.

Native American nations from Wyoming, North Dakota and Canada, to name a few, will participate and all of Montana’s tribal nations attend.

While the event shines a spotlight on native culture, the powwow is open to the public.

Entrance is free and a variety of vendors from across the region will be on hand in the main floor with a menagerie of American Indian items for sale.

The Grand Entry emcee is JD Old Mouse, with the Turtle Mountain Chippewa/Norther Cheyenne tribe.

Saturday events begin at noon and wraps up with an 11:30 p.m. Winners Ceremony.