Sovereignty Speaks #49
Celebrating Culture
52nd Annual Contest Powwow
A great crowd gathered for the 52nd Annual Contest Powwow at the Stillwater Expo Center on Saturday October 7, 2023. Hosted by OSU’s Native American Student Association and the OSU Center for Sovereign Nations, the Powwow began with Gourd Dancing at Noon. NASA Exec including President Kait Pinkerton, Vice-President Jenna Warneke, Treasurer Josaih Kernell, Secretary Luke Two Crow, Event/Fundraising Chair Chenoa Turtle, Publicity Chair Callie Chapman, and Involvement Chair Toby Martin expressed gratitude for the commitment of NASA Advisors Dawna Riding In Hare and Sky Rogers.
The Host Gourd Clan was the Comanche Little Ponies. Dude Blalock was Arena Director, and Archie Mason was Master of Ceremonies. Cynthia Butler and her family prepared supper. Head Singer Allen Hyde Toppah and Muskokee Nation Honor Guard led Grand Entry. Head Man Dancer, Joseph Pratt and Head Women Dancer, Gabrielle Tiger were joined by Miss American Indian OSU, Shaleigh McGee and Mr. American Indian OSU, Caleb Garcia. Nearly $10,000 was awarded. Part of understanding tribal sovereignty is respecting that each tribal nation has a unique history and important culture. Over 20 tribal nations’ cultures were shared at Powwow.