Bowie State University Hosts Second Annual Powwow Celebrating Indigenous Heritage

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Bowie State University held its second powwow on Nov. 8, welcoming guests from across the region for a celebration of Native American culture, dance and community.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou opened the program by emphasizing the importance of honoring Indigenous peoples and reaffirming the university’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Following the opening remarks, Peter Landeros, a security guard with Bowie State’s Department of Public Safety and member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, delivered a land acknowledgment. Landeros, who serves as the director of American Indian Movement Woodlands Territory Support Group, noted that Bowie State sits on ancestral lands once stewarded by the Piscataway Indian Nation for more than 1,500 years. 

The Theodore McKeldin Gymnasium was transformed into an arena where attendees observed the rhythmic movements and traditional regalia of dancers. The event was emceed by Mistress of Ceremonies Amelia Kay Richardson Oxendine of the Haliwa Saponi Tribe and directed by Arena Director Louis E. Campbell of the Lumbee Tribe. 

Several traditional dance styles were represented, including Fancy Men, Women’s Cloth, Women’s Jingle and Fancy Shawl. Each dancer wore custom-made clothing reflecting both tribal identity and individual expression. The performances were accompanied by drum groups Medicine Horse and Zotigh Singers, led by Ralph and Dennis Zotigh, a father-and-son duo from Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Among the dignitaries and tribal representatives in attendance were 29th Hereditary Chief Mark Tayac of the Piscataway Tribe, along with members of the Kiowa, Navajo, Dakota, Yaqui, Cherokee and Lumbee tribes. 

In addition to the celebration of dance and music, the powwow featured moments of reflection on ongoing challenges facing Native American communities. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Memorial Grove display highlighted the national crisis of unsolved cases involving Indigenous women and girls, ages 4 to 68. Red dresses bearing photographs of victims hung as solemn reminders of the continuing pursuit of justice. 

The event was co-organized by siblings Noah and Eva Austin, seniors at Bowie State majoring in communications and psychology, respectively, and members of the Haliwa Saponi Tribe. They were assisted by Dr. Keadrick Peters, adjunct professor in the Department of Sociology & Child Studies and coordinator of the Office of Multicultural Programs & Civic Engagement. 

Noah and Eva also served as Head Man and Head Woman Dancers, a distinction that honors their leadership within the powwow.

“Powwows are here for everyone to have fun and learn, and, most importantly, Native American people are not going anywhere,” Noah said.

Eva added, “powwows are cultural events that welcome all to attend and experience Native American history.” 

Bowie State University remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment that honors the histories and contributions of all cultures. Through programs and events that promote awareness and dialogue, the university continues to strengthen its role as a model of diversity and a champion of unity in a multicultural society.