17th annual Penn State Powwow kicks off, celebrating American Indian traditions
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WJAC) — People in Centre County got a taste of American Indian culture on Saturday at the first day of the 17th annual Penn State Powwow.
An American Indian powwow is a traditional event within many native nations across the whole continent where people sing and dance, and share in language, culture, and food. While it's an event with deep spirituality, organizers also say it acts as a family reunion of sorts.
RELATED | Penn State hosts powwow; teaches Native American culture, spirituality
They tell us the event is not only a chance for those from different nations to come together — but to also give people in Central Pennsylvania to experience something they may have never encountered, beyond pop culture.
"There are a lot of misperceptions and stereotypes out there," Victoria Sanchez, an organizer, tells 6 News. "And coming to an event like this and being part of it, um, this isn't really a spectator kind of a thing. Once you walk through the doors, you really feel like you're part of this event. Um, and that's a really good way for folks to just, you know, get to know all of us as people on an individual basis."
She adds: "You know, when you strike up those conversations to see that, you know, we don't really fit those stereotypes, you know, but here's who we actually are today."
The event in the C3 Sports Complex — at 200 Ellis Place in State College — is open to everyone, with free admission. The powwow runs till 9pm Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday.
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfZoS1tIyapaetkaF6sbHNp2SsrJGpsm68zrCuqK9doLakt9Jmpp%2BeXZiyrbHBq5itoZ6ceqK5xKugnJmeYravsMiapWasopaxqsDIqKWs