MSU hosting Native American Honor Dance
[04/20/07]

Native American dancers and drum groups from throughout North Dakota and neighboring states and provinces will compete during the 18th Annual Native American Honor Dance and Spring Celebration, at the Minot State University Dome May 4-5. The celebration will also include special Native American attractions.

The powwow-style event, sponsored by the MSU Native American Cultural Awareness Club and the university, will honor all 2007 graduates. Two "Grand Entries," the time when the dancers enter the floor of the arena, are scheduled for 1 and 7 p.m. each day.

Following the 1pm Grand Entry on May 5, the memory of Nathan Goodiron, an MSU student who was killed in action Thanksgiving Day in Afghanistan, will be honored. Goodiron, a junior majoring in finance, was serving with the N.D. Army National Guard. From Mandaree and an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, he had been involved with the MSU Native American club. His family will conduct a give-away ceremony. This traditional event honors the person by giving gifts to people who were inspirational, helpful or instrumental in that person's life.

The "Honor Parade," in which all 2007 graduates are invited to take part, follows the Grand Entry on May 5.

Dance competitions will be held for men, women, teens, juniors and tiny tots. The competition for men includes traditional, grass and fancy dancing. Women's dance competitions include traditional, fancy and jingle styles. Cash prizes will be awarded. Dance specials include men's and women's veterans.

Drum money will be awarded to the first 10 drums. The host drum group is Battle River from Red Lake, Minn.

The celebration will include special attractions, such as a Native American hoop dance exhibition by Wayne Fox, a Native American traditional games activity by Marvin Bald Eagle Young Man, Native American storytelling by Cassi Rench, a Native American beadwork display and hands-on-project by Marilyn Hudson, and a teepee and Native American regalia display by NACA. The Battle River drum group also will be performing songs and students will be able to participate in the round dance.

Teachers are invited to bring school-age children as educational presentations for them are planned on May 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. That evening, a traditional buffalo meal will be provided by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and the Spirit Lake Nation.

The doors open each day at 9:30 a.m. with performances, demonstrations, dance competitions and the sale of Native American arts, crafts, and food, taking place throughout.

Admission to the Honor Dance and Spring Celebration is $3 for ages 12-55; it is free to children under 14, senior citizens, and MSU students, faculty and staff. For more information, contact Wylie Hammond, MSU Multicultural Services, at 858-3365 or 1-800-777-0750, ext. 3365.

» More MSU News