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 29th annual American Indian Powwow on Saturday, February 1, 2020. 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 (PEC) on NCSSM’s campus.

The program will begin at noon with a Grand Entry of dancers dressed in traditional and modern dance regalia. Music will be provided by host drum Red Clay, Intertribal. Head Man Dancer will be Isaiah Keith Robinson, representing the Coharie, and Head Lady Dancer will be Cheyenne Daniels, Miss Indian North Carolina, representing the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. 

Attendees will be invited to participate in a social Round Dance and a Two-Step Dance, with explanations of the significance of the music and dance offered throughout the program. American Indian arts and crafts will also be on exhibit in the lobby of the PEC throughout the event. The powwow will end with a closing song at approximately 5 p.m.  

NCSSM’s powwow began in 1991 and grew out of a desire of American Indian students at NCSSM to make the school better known among the state’s American Indian communities. The event continues to be held on the same day as a Middle School Open House on NCSSM’s campus to introduce students to the unique learning experience. 

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. Food trucks and concessions will be open throughout the event to purchase meals and snacks. 

Read more about the event at https://www.ncssm.edu/powwow. Please contact Mattie Gaddy-Parks at gaddy@ncssm.edu or NCSSM’s Office of Admissions at admissions@ncssm.edu with any additional questions.