Skagit Valley College hosts its annual powwow

Skagit Valley College (SVC) will host its annual powwow, “All My Relations,” May 17-19. The powwow brings together students, families, and Tribal Nations to celebrate Native American singing, drumming, dancing, food, and arts and crafts.

All are welcome to this free event that will be held at the SVC Tennis Courts on the Mount Vernon campus.

Dance and drum grand entries take place at 1 p.m. on May 17, and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 18, and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 19.

According to Amy Gustafson, SVC Associate Dean of Student Support Programs and First Nations Club advisor, SVC’s first annual powwow was coined “All My Relations.”

The First Nations Club voted to return to the original name to honor Swinomish Elder and Master Carver Kevin Paul. Paul is an internationally renowned artist who carved both the story pole and whale on the Mount Vernon campus.

SVC has a long history of collaboration with its neighboring Tribal Nations, including hosting powwows, blessing ceremonies, and blanket ceremonies in previous years.

The powwow is about nurturing diversity and inclusion in our community, building relationships that honor the beauty of our differences, and celebrating all that brings us together for a common purpose.

This year’s host drums will be Bad Canyon. The head staff are Sheldon Shebala, Paula Shebala, Merlin Kicking Woman, and Randy Vendiola. Junior head staff, Ladanian Kicking Woman and Alissa Edge, will be learning the work this year.

The grand entries will include grass dancers, fancy dancers, traditional dancers, and jingle dancers. There will be intertribal dances that are open to all. In addition, there will be “tiny tots” sessions for children birth to six years of age. The event will also include a kids’ corner organized by SVC’s Early Childhood Education program.

To learn more about the 2024 SVC Powwow, ‘All My Relations,” visit skagit.edu/powwow.