HISTORY

In 1992, the Native American students at NCSSM decided to host their first powwow as a way of promoting the school to the Native American communities of North Carolina. It was their hope that the powwow would communicate to the Indian people of the state that NCSSM is a place where Indian young people can get an excellent education not only in science and math but in the traditional teachings of their culture. The Indian students at NCSSM formed Akwe:kon, the Native American Club. Akwe:kon is a Mohawk word that means “all of us together.” The purpose of the club would be to serve as a support group for the Indian students on campus and to serve as a way to educate all people about the rich culture and traditions of Native Americans. This is the group that puts on the powwow year after year.

We want to promote our powwow as a friendly, family oriented event for people of all races to celebrate and learn about the culture of the First Americans. The powwow commences with a Grand Entry of all the dancers. A Master of Ceremonies takes charge of announcing when events will take place and explaining what is going on. Grand Entry is followed by a Flag Song to honor both the American flag and the tradition flag of Indian people: the Eagle Staff. Next comes a Veteran’s Song to honor all those who have served our country in any of the branches of the military. The remainder of the dance session is full of intertribals and exhibition dances to feature different dance styles and categories. Specialty dances like hoop dances, smoke dances, round dances, two-steps are woven into the dance program. Audience participation is encouraged by the MC on some of the dances. This is a traditional powwow that emphasizes intertribal brotherhood and sisterhood in addition to education about Indian culture. There are no dance contests.
Typically, we are fortunate to have somewhere around 150 dancers and six drums in attendance. Our audience size over the entire day is approximately 2000.

WHAT TAKES PLACE?

Throughout the powwow, arts and crafts traders are set up in the foyer of the gymnasium. Woodcarving, silverwork, beadwork, leatherwork, etc. are on display for educational purposes as well as for purchase. Food stands sell Native American delicacies such as fry bread, Indian tacos, buffalo soup, corn soup, etc.

There is a break between the afternoon and evening sessions of the powwow. During this break a traditional Native American feast is held in the school’s cafeteria. This feast is free to all singers and dancers and is available to the general public for a small fee.

The evening session of the powwow includes some of the same dances featured in the afternoon as well as Honor Dances for the Head Man Dancer and Head Lady Dancer. A traditional Give-Away is held by the host Akwe:kon organization to honor all the visiting singers and dancers. The powwow concludes with a Closing Song.

DREAMMAKERS PROGRAM

The Dreammakers Program is held in conjunction with the Powwow by the Admissions Office of NCSSM. In this program, Native American youth from North Carolina in the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades are invited to the campus to spend the Friday before the powwow attending special classes in science, math, and art as well as attending a presentation by a leader in the Indian community. The night before the powwow, Dreammaker participants help set up for the powwow, enjoy a group social activity, and spend the night with an NCSSM host student in one of our dorms. Dreammaker participants are honored in a special recognition ceremony during the afternoon portion of the powwow the next day.

We hope that Native American people will come support our powwow and learn about our school which serves eleventh and twelfth grade students from throughout the state of North Carolina. In the fall of a student’s tenth grade year, application materials and instructions are available. Application deadline is in January.