College Park, Md. – The Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy Office (MICA) at the University of Maryland proudly present UMD Pow Wow 2024: In Bloom, in partnership with the Native American and Indigenous Student Union (NAISU), on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ritchie Coliseum.
The theme reflects the blooming of a new era of Native and Indigenous life at UMD. Notable milestones include the hiring of Kyrsha Balderas, the first full-time student affairs staff member dedicated to supporting and uplifting native and indigenous students, as well as the opening of the Indigenous Futures Lab and hiring of Dr. Shelbi Nahwilet Meissner, according to Brandon Dula, assistant director of MICA.
“Pow Wow is a Native gathering, where those from various tribal backgrounds can celebrate their culture, life, and each other’s company. It is an exciting time that often includes dancing, drumming, food, contests, and other activities. Powwows serve as a way to keep traditions alive and educate the future generations, while also sharing Native culture with others,” says Balderas. “All attendees must be respectful and follow the rules, but everyone is welcomed!”
This year’s program has expanded from having one “Special” dance competition with prizes to much more. Notable activities include:
Grand Entry at noon.
Candy Dance for children and a Tiny Tot Exhibition at 1:30 p.m.
Hoop Dance by award-winning interdisciplinary artist and dancer Angela Miracle Gladue aka Lunacee at 2:45 p.m.
Last year, over 400 people attended UMD Pow Wow from across the Mid-Atlantic region, with participants traveling from as far as New Mexico. To accommodate the anticipated record number of attendees, vendors, and Native dancers, this year's event will take place at Ritchie Coliseum, a larger venue on Baltimore Avenue in College Park.
UMD Pow Wow 2024: In Bloom is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Graduate Diversity & Inclusion. For information, visit the UMD Pow Wow webpage.