The Assembly provided $5,000 of the $50,000 raised for the event, and sent an e-mail to its members encouraging them to volunteer at the Pow-wow by helping set up or providing airport runs to and from Manchester.
Student Assembly treasurer Ruslan Tovbulatov '09 described the NAD's request for funding and co-sponsorship as in keeping with the Assembly's goals of supporting diversity and understanding among different cultural and ethnic groups on campus.
"[This year] we dealt with issues larger than up-keeping Blitz terminals, issues usually ignored," Tovbulatov said.
Tovbulatov said that the administration looked to the Assembly to respond after the controversy surrounding alleged insensitivity toward the Native American community at the College this past fall He said that funding and co-sponsoring the Pow-wow is a perfect opportunity to support diversity on campus and bridge the perceived gaps.
"The same people concerned about us sponsoring the Pow-wow aren't worried about these issues [of diversity and cohesion on campus]," Tobulatov said.
Samuel Kohn '09, who is chairing this year's Pow-wow, stressed the inclusivity of the event. He described the Pow-wow as a social gathering, meant for students and members of the Hanover community to experience Native American culture.
"If you can come out for 10 minutes or even two, to experience the Native American culture, that's great," Kohn said.
Kohn explained that the Pow-wow committee opted to approach the Assembly so that they could reach out to a larger part of the student body through increased support and publicity.
"It's kind of hard to advertise," said Heather Yazzie '07, co-president of NAD. "A lot of people may be afraid to come because they don't know a lot about it."
The Pow-wow, which began as a fairly small event at Storr's Pond, has gradually grown to become the second largest gathering of its kind in the New England area. While an estimated 2,500 people attended the Pow-wow last year, Kohn expects attendance to reach 3,000 people this year, partially due to greater advertising attempts in national magazines and to a greater alumni attendance for the landmark anniversary.
The Dartmouth Pow-wow will include dance competitions in different categories such as Men and Women's Traditional dancing, Men's Fancy Feather and Women's Jingle, among others. The event will also include honoring ceremonies for Assembly members Yuki Kondo-Shah '07 and Tim Andreadis '07, Native American Program Coordinator Poonam Aspaas, and administrative assistant Julie Ratico, chosen by the seniors in NAD, who will also be honored. Those honored will be recognized for their contributions to the Native American community and the Dartmouth community at large.
Participation in events such as a two-step dance, where dancers must have a partner, and the Kellyn James Potato Dance Special, during which partners must dance while balancing a potato between their foreheads, are open to the whole campus.
"People should listen to the announcer and feel comfortable to join in when he says it is okay to do so," said Director of the Native American Program Michael Hanitchak.
Winners of the dance competitions will receive cash prizes, an incentive for Native American dance groups to fly to Dartmouth for the weekend according to Kohn.
For the special anniversary, NAD has sought additional funding from the Native American Alumni Association, as well as on-campus organizations such as the Council on Student Organizations and the Programming Board.
