photo by: Mike Yoder

Dancers wear feathered and beaded regalia at the KU First Nations Student Association’s Powwow and Indigenous Culture Festival at the Lied Center on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

The University of Kansas’ First Nations Student Association will host its annual Powwow and Indigenous Cultures Festival in mid-April.

The 2024 event, which will celebrate the diversity of cultures in the community through dancing, singing and honoring the traditions of Indigenous ancestors, will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 13, outside the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive. New to this year’s event, the powwow will take place on the official KU Powwow Grounds established at the Lied Center.

The event will include a number of interactive experiences and educational workshops focused on Indigenous cultures and history. That includes panels on Native screenwriters and fashion, presentations on “Powwow 101” and Ishtaboli — or Choctaw Stickball — and a pine needle basket weaving workshop. Three murals created by Navajo, Creek, Yuchi and Seminole artist Steven Grounds will also be unveiled as part of the day’s itinerary.

All of those activities are free and open to the public. Also as part of the festival, regional Native American artists and food vendors will have items for sale.

A full schedule of events is available on KU’s website. For more information, email Laura Kingston at kupowwowfestival@gmail.com.