Powwow a celebration of life

A powwow will be held in the main gymnasium of the Peter Stott Center on Saturday and Sunday. The celebration will begin at noon; Arnold Little Head will be the master of ceremonies.

The powwow is the culmination of the festivities celebrating Native American Cultural Awareness Week.

The events at Portland State University are being sponsored by United Indian Students in Higher Education (UISHE) and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).

About 30 vendors from around the country will be present, selling handmade crafts including clothing and jewelry, as well as food.

UISHE Co-Coordinator Dawn Nesja, who has worked to organize the event, said she wanted the powwow to be a celebration.

“It’s really powerful to see all the people in their regalia,” Nesja said, “and the little kids in their headdresses. I could watch them all day.”

In addition to the powwow, Blackfire, a politically charged punk rock band from Flagstaff, Ariz., will play at 6 p.m. in the Stott Center.