FNSA announces KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival events
LAWRENCE — For several decades, the University of Kansas First Nations Student Association (FNSA) has hosted the Annual KU FNSA Powwow. The event celebrates the diversity of Native American cultures in the community through dancing, singing and honoring the traditions of Indigenous ancestors.
The legacy of enriching the local community through Native American traditions and cultural heritage grew with the establishment of the Indigenous Cultures Festival through a partnership with the Lied Center of Kansas.
This year’s event will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 9 at the Lied Center of Kansas; the event is free and open to the public.
This daylong, family-friendly event will welcome the KU, Lawrence and surrounding communities to participate, share experiences, make connections and learn more about the traditions, culture, history and contemporary topics relating to the Indigenous peoples of North America.
Throughout the day, there is a full schedule for attendees to participate in interactive experiences, educational workshops and children’s activities focused on Indigenous cultures and history, including:
- Children's stories read by author Jimmy Beason, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D.-Kansas, and State Rep. Christina Haswood, 10th District.
- Special presentations by Theresa Milk, Alex Red Corn, Robert Hicks Jr. and Jancita Warrington.
For the 2022 event, the powwow and several festival activities will be held outside the Lied Center. Attendees planning on staying throughout the powwow are encouraged to bring lawn chairs; seating directly around the powwow circle will be reserved for dancers, dancer families and audience members who need seating accommodation.
Regional Native American artists and artisans will have items for sale in accordance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. Leading the food vendors is an invited friend of the festival, Raven’s Table, in addition to longtime vendor the Peaches Family. Indigenous-inspired food will be available for purchase throughout the day. During the event, adult-size T-shirts will be for sale. Official merchandise is available online through March 28, and profits benefit KU FNSA.
In addition to the all-day event April 9, there will be several in-person and virtual events leading up to the powwow and festival, including a land acknowledgment discussion and visiting Indigenous artists.
- March 25, 5-9 p.m.: Indigenous Arts Initiative Exhibit Opening at Cider Gallery's Final Friday event. The event includes the exhibit opening, a local Native food vendor and a dance showcase.
- April 3, 4:30 p.m.: Indigenous Arts Initiative artists reception and talk with Cara Romero, Nanobah Becker and mentees at Cider Gallery.
- April 5, 6 p.m.: Land acknowledgment conversation on Zoom with Melissa Peterson, Laurie Ramirez, Sarah Deer, Lori Hasselman and Kelly Walker. Registration is required.
- April 8, 7:30 p.m. - The Lied Center of Kansas presents Red Sky Performance: “TRACE.” Red Sky is a leading company of contemporary Indigenous dance, theatre, music and media in Canada and worldwide. Tickets are available through the Lied Center.
All activities are free and open to the public. It is recommended guests bring cash to purchase from vendors. COVID-19 safety precautions will follow KU, Douglas County and federal guidelines. For full and up-to-date details on the Annual FNSA Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival, please visit fnsapowwow.ku.edu or connect with the Facebook event.
Photos: Performers from the KU FNSA Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival. Credit: Laura Kingston Photography.