PULLMAN, Wash. — The 26th annual Pah-Loots-Pu Powwow is set for March 31 and April 1 at Washington State University’s Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
The celebration begins with a grand entry at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. both days. Ku-Au-Mah, the Native American Women’s Association, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and Native American Alliance sponsor the free event.
Included in the event is a Men’s Traditional Special with North Straight versus contemporary styles. The event is in honor of Russell McCloud and includes $5,000 in prize money. Four places will be awarded in each category. Two first-place winners will then dance for an additional $1,000, a satin-star quilt and a jacket.
Dance contests will include 20 categories and cash prizes. The categories are divided by age and gender, including men’s and women’s traditional and contemporary dances, fancy-dance styles, men’s grass and women’s jingle-dress dances.
There will be special performances, including intertribal dances, Teen Girl’s Fancy, Three-Man Hand Drum and a drum contest. An arts and crafts fair also is planned.
Powwows have been held in Beasley Coliseum since 1995. The original powwows were held outdoors with teepees in Roger Orton field. The powwow is an effort of all the Native organizations working together and creating a balance, said Dan Maher, WSU coordinator of student programs.
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