Carolina Indian Circle holds 38th annual powwow celebrating Native American cultures

Drums banging, people cheering and children dancing: these are some of the sounds one would hear if they attended a powwow, a celebratory event that features music and reconnection with members in the Native American community.

The student-run organization Carolina Indian Circle, also known as the Circle, hosted its 38th annual powwow at Woollen Gymnasium on Saturday. The event showcased Native American culture with members of the campus community, as well as other Native American individuals.

The powwow opened with a prayer, followed by the Grand Entry, requiring everyone to stand as attendees entered a circle of community members. The first to enter carried flags while dancing along to music. 

CIC Powwow Chair Dylan Hammonds, a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, said it was great to be able to plan the event at UNC because it allowed the Native community to showcase their culture with campus and community members.  

“It's just really great that you have this sense of home, no matter how far you are from your actual home,” he said. 

Members of all ages of the Indigenous community were adorned with elaborate and boldly colored clothing and headdresses lined with feathers, bells and spiritual symbols.

Following the Grand Entry was a series of dancing and singing competitions where children could compete in different age categories.

Powwows are a historic and culturally significant tradition that date back to the 19th century and are meant to bring members of the Native American community together and connect. 

UNC mascot Rameses Junior made a guest appearance at the event along with UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts and his wife, journalist Liza Roberts. 

UNC junior Hailey Jones, a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, said that finding community in college was special and important to her.

“It's just always nice to be with people from your culture and see your culture on display and feel at home,” she said.

UNC junior and attendee Evie Jacobs, a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, said that going to a past CIC Powwow before her first year made her think of UNC as home, saying she felt like she would be able to build her identity and continue to learn her traditions at the University.

“It's a big part of reclaiming our space as Indigenous students on this campus and just kind of holding a ceremony where we're able to celebrate our culture and identity and celebrate those traditions that have kept generations here,” Jacobs said.

During the event, local businesses were featured selling Indigenous products such as clothing, jewelry and other handmade products.

Duke student and owner of Evergreen Leather and Beadwork, Jada Allen, was present with a table of her handmade beadwork jewelry products. 

Allen said that her beadwork, a common practice across Indigenous cultures in North and South America, is meant to incorporate stories.

“You're using materials that are traditional to your homelands, and you're creating a piece that is representative of you and your people,” she said.  

Allen also said it was important for her to come to the events so she can be with her community. 

Alexis Malaguti, administrative support associate for the UNC American Indian Center, said people can find more information about future events by joining the AIC newsletter and following them on social media.

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CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated that Jada Allen's business was named Evergreen Leather and Beadwork. Allen's business is Evergreen Beadwork. The Daily Tar Heel apologizes for this error.