Akwe:kon, the American Indian cultural club at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, along with the Office of Admissions, will host the school’s 26th annual American Indian Powwow on Saturday, February 4. American Indians from North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina will travel to Durham for a day of music, dance, arts, crafts, and food in the Charles R. Eilber Physical Education Center on NCSSM’s campus.

The program begins at noon with a Grand Entry of dancers dressed in traditional and modern dance regalia. Music will be provided by host drum WarPaint, representing the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. Master of Ceremonies Ray Silva (Pueblo/Navajo) will offer explanations of the significance of the music and dance throughout the program. Head Man Dancer is Jaycoa Silva (Pueblo/Navajo/Haliwa-Saponi). Head Lady Dancer is Sage Dimalanta (Haliwa-Saponi/Lumbee/Cree/Anishinabe).

Presentations will include American Indian flute music, hoop dancing, and dancing demonstrations in all categories of traditional and contemporary American Indian dance styles. Audience members will be invited to participate in a social round dance and a two-step dance. American Indian arts and crafts will be on exhibit in the foyer of the Physical Education Center throughout the event. The powwow ends with a closing song at approximately 5 p.m.  

The public is invited to attend this event to experience some of the rich history and contemporary aspirations of American Indian people. Admission fee is $5; children 5 and under are admitted at no charge. 

“Our annual powwow grew out of a desire of the American Indian students at NCSSM to make their school better known among the state’s Native American communities,” says Director of Admissions Letita Mason. “We hope that, through these cultural efforts, more Native American students will become interested in attending NCSSM.”  

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