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Equity & Diversity

‘Weaving Communities and Making Connections’

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion -

This post originally appeared here.

Memories and teachings carry us through every space we enter. All experiences are unique strands that guide our journey, ultimately bringing us together. This year’s Pow Wow theme is “Weaving Communities and Making Connections.” In partnership with the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake and Salt Lake Community College, our vision for this event is inspired by the ties and interconnection we share across the valley. With this year’s Pow Wow taking place at the Jon M. Huntsman Center Arena, we invite each of you to rejoice and celebrate the connections that embrace us all.

The University of Utah Pow Wow is an opportunity for tribal members throughout the Intermountain West to meet and honor the cultural and religious practices of their communities. Pow Wow is planned in partnership with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; the American Indian Resource Center; the University of Utah’s Inter-Tribal Student Association; the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake; and Salt Lake Community College.

Event information will be published as details are solidified. For questions, please contact powwow@utah.edu.

Etiquette Rules

Although the Pow Wow is free and open to the public, the organizers encourage attendees to be mindful, respectful, and adhere to proper pow wow etiquette.

  1. Always stand respectfully during special songs. These include the Grand Entry, flag songs, veteran’s songs or any other song the MC designates. During these songs, folks should remove their hats.
  2. The correct term for a dancer’s outfit is regalia – not costume. Never touch a dancer’s regalia. Many of the objects have religious meaning and are cherished family heirlooms.
  3. Ask permission before taking photos of dancers in regalia. If the photo is for publication or commercial use, this should be explained before the photo is taken.
  4. If you see a lost or dropped feather, do NOT pick it up. Notify the nearest staff member (identified by Pow Wow t-shirt) or Arena Director immediately.
  5. Pointing with the fingers is considered poor manners by some tribes. If you must point, use your head and nod in the direction you wish to indicate.
  6. Feel free to join in the inter-tribal dances by invitation of the MC.
  7. Do not ever cross the arena floor! Do not go into drum circles. If a drum group is singing or about to sing, do not approach the drum. Stay on the perimeter of the arena floor.

If you have any questions about any of the above etiquette or would like to know more, please ask an ITSA member. Also, most dancers, singers, elders, and staff are happy to help.

Weaving Communities and Making Connections
April 13, 2024
Jon M. Huntsman Center

Head Staff

  • Master of Ceremonies: Bart Powaukee
  • Arena Director: Eric Watchman
  • Host Drum: Indian Hill
  • Head Lady Dancer: Nizhoni Guthrie
  • Head Man Dancer: Orrion Snyder

Grand Entries

The ceremonial Grand Entry is a cultural and spiritual tradition where a parade of participants enters the dance circle hosted by northern and southern drummers.

April 13, 2024
Jon M. Huntsman Center
12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Specials

  • Head Man Special: TBA
  • Head Woman Special: TBA
  • U of U Inter-Tribal Student Association (ITSA): Sweethearts Special Two-step
  • SLCC American Indian Student Leadership (AISL): Men’s Chicken Dance Special

About the artist

Jessica Wiarda

Hopi/Tewa

Jessica Wiarda is a Hopi/Tewa artist based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wiarda’s artwork mixes traditional Hopi imagery with bold colors and contemporary fashion trends. She is a matrilineal descendant of the Hopi of the First Mesa Deer/Flute clan.

Wiarda has shown work at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, Project Open Downtown Apartments, Sugarhouse “Art for Hope,” and University of Utah campus at Altitude Lab and Known Medicine.

"Valued cultural traditions are passed down through generations such as hair braiding, weaving textiles into blankets and clothing, intertwining healing herbs, and growing symbiotic gardens whose plants thrive alongside each other instead of competing. 'Weaving Communities & Making Connections' reminds us that no matter where in the world Indigenous Peoples have traveled, they will forever be linked and continue to reclaim their rich cultural histories and heritage."

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