Montana State University will host the 50th annual American Indian Council Powwow on March 27 and 28 in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, according to a March 11 announcement. The event is free and open to the public.
The powwow marks a significant milestone for Native student involvement at Montana State University, which enrolls more than 800 Native students. Abigail Whitman, marketing and social media chair of MSU’s American Indian Council, said the event is a celebration of growth for Native student participation. “I saw people just like me,” said Whitman, a junior studying equine science. “I get to interact with people and learn their story, and I can tell them mine. It’s a big sharing experience.”
The two-day celebration will begin with a grand entry at 5 p.m. on Friday, followed by additional grand entries at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. The powwow features singing and dancing contests across various styles and age groups, as well as a royalty pageant featuring Miss Indian MSU, Angelina Toineeta. Riley Werk serves as headwoman dancer and Cleveland Leider as headman dancer, while Blackstone from Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan will be the host drum group.
Other highlights include an alumni breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on March 28 in American Indian Hall’s Great Hall and a fun run starting at 9 a.m., with registration open until just before the event begins. Food vendors will offer tacos, bison sliders, and sweet potato fries during evening hours.
Nicholas Ross-Dick, co-adviser of the American Indian Council, said: “The 50th annual celebration is our biggest celebration ever… every aspect of the celebration reflects the pride, culture, energy of what MSU is; who and what our students represent as they balance their studies; and investing in building a community that flourishes, reflective of the diversity and beauty of their communities and traditions.” Updates about the event are available online.
Montana State University leads in research funding within Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university contributes to communities through volunteer efforts, outreach programs, and research aimed at improving lives and protecting the environment according to its official website. Montana State ranks among the top five percent of global universities per the Center for World University Rankings according to its official website.
With approximately 17,165 students enrolled—split evenly between residents and nonresidents—Montana State operates as Montana’s land-grant university focused on research, education, community outreach according to its official website, serving both state residents and broader communities according to its official website. The university offers extensive academic programs amid access to outdoor recreation near Bozeman’s wilderness areas according to its official website.