Native American Symposium, Powwow Coming to WSU
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University will host the third annual Native American Symposium and the 37th Annual Contest Powwow as part of Native American Emphasis Week, April 7-12.
The symposium, which will explore the subject of treaties and sovereign nations, will feature a keynote address by John E. Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund. Additional workshop sessions will discuss American Indian dual citizenship, indigenous people’s history and contemporary challenges. Salt Lake City attorney Paul Tsosie (Navajo), will conduct a session on the 14th Amendment and Indian Tribes.
The symposium will be held April 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater. The symposium is free to the public. Echohawk’s keynote address will be held at 9 a.m., following an 8 a.m. sunrise ceremony at the Ada Lindquist Plaza.
“This symposium is a way to continue the dialogue about one of the most misunderstood parts of our nation’s history,” said Forrest Crawford, assistant to the president for diversity. “Having Mr. Echohawk’s presence helps bring us one step closer to clarity.”
On April 12, the 37th Annual Contest Powwow will be held at the Shepherd Union Ballroom, with grand entries at noon and 6 p.m. The celebration will include Native American arts, food, crafts and dancing. Drum and dance contests also will be held.
The Host Drum is White Lake (Group of 10), the Arena Director is Nino Reyos (Northern Ute), emcee is Harold Begay (Navajo), Spiritual Advisor is Stephan Todachiny (Navajo), Head Lady Dancer is Miss Indian WSU Alissa Davis (Navajo), and Head Man Dancer will be chosen each session. Registration for dancers will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Tickets for the event are $3 for adults, $1 for students. Admission is free for senior citizens and children under six.
Indian Fry Bread and Navajo Tacos will be sold in the Shepherd Union Building April 8-12, with proceeds helping to cover the cost of the powwow.
Native American Emphasis Week and the powwow are presented by WSU’s American Indian Council. The Native American Symposium is sponsored by WSU’s Office of the Assistant to the President for Diversity and the Office for Equal Opportunity Employment & Affirmative Action.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
- John Kowalewski, director of Media Relations
(801) 626-7212 • jkowalewski@weber.edu - Contact:
- Jeff Simons, American Indian Council Advisor
(801) 626-7333 · jsimons@weber.edu