2024 KU First Nations Student Association (FNSA) Powwow and Indigenous Cultures Festival set for April 13

LAWRENCE — For decades, the University of Kansas First Nations Student Association (FNSA) has hosted the Annual KU FNSA Powwow. The event celebrates the diversity of cultures in the community through dancing, singing and honoring the traditions of Indigenous ancestors.

This legacy of enriching the local community through Native American traditions and cultural heritage expanded in 2017 with the establishment of the Indigenous Cultures Festival (ICF) through a partnership between FNSA and the Lied Center of Kansas.

The 2024 FNSA Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 13 inside and outside the Lied Center of Kansas.

New this year, through KU’s commitment to supporting this long-standing community event that brings all people together for a day of celebration, the powwow will take place on the KU Powwow Grounds at the Lied Center. The committee thanks the KU Operations Team and outgoing Vice Provost Mike Rounds and the Office of the Provost for their dedication and support.

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. 

The day includes interactive experiences and educational workshops focused on Indigenous cultures and history, including:

• Powwow 101 Presentations by Jancita Warrington (Menominee, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk Nations)
• Native Screenwriters Panel featuring Miciana Alise (Tlingit)
• Native Fashion Panel featuring Dr. Jessica Metcalfe (Turtle Mountain Chippewa)
• Power of Native Theatre featuring Honolulu Theatre for Youth
• Ishtaboli (Choctaw Stickball) Interactive Presentation featuring Ron McKinney (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) and the Haskell Stickball Club
• Pine Needle Basket Weaving Workshop featuring Amy June Breesman (Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma)
• Unveiling of Murals by Navajo/Creek/Yuchi/Seminole artist Steven Grounds

Activities offered during the 2024 KU FNSA Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival will be held inside the Lied Center. Attendees planning on staying throughout the powwow are encouraged to bring lawn chairs; available seating will be limited.

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 longtime vendor Peaches' Frybread and popular local vendor Monteau’s Indian Tacos. Additional Indigenous-inspired food will be available for purchase throughout the day. During the event, only adult-size T-shirts will be for sale.

All activities on April 13 are free and open to the public. It is recommended guests bring cash to purchase from vendors and lawn chairs for enjoying the powwow. For full and up-to-date details on the Annual FNSA Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival, please visit the powwow website or connect with the Facebook event. 

For more information, contact Laura Kingston by email.