13th Annual Tutxinmepu Pow Wow Celebrates Native American Cultures
Monday, March 26 2012
MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho will celebrate Native American cultures during its 13th annual Tutxinmepu Pow Wow on Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8 at the Moscow Junior High School gym, 1410 E. D St. in Moscow.
“Tutxinmepu” is a Nez Perce word for “the place where the deer lost their spots,” referring to the Palouse region. The Palouse is a traditional gathering place for the Nez Perce tribe. The Tutxinmepu Pow Wow welcomes students, and regional and national participants to join in celebrating the traditions and history of the Native American people.
“Hosting this celebration for 13 years demonstrates the university’s appreciation for Native American tribes in this region and beyond,” said Steven Martin, director for the University of Idaho’s Native American Student Center. “We understand that our campus needs continuous education about tribal communities and ways, and the pow wow helps bring that knowledge to campus yearly. I have been very proud to have been part of this event for the past five years.”
Dance participants will make their grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, with dinner at 5 p.m. On Sunday, April 8, grand entries begin at 1 p.m. The Tutxinmepu Pow Wow is open to all members of the university campus and the Moscow community.
The host drum will feature Bad Nation from Ft. Thompson, S.D. Chance Rush will serve as master of ceremonies; Keith Heavyrunner, from Lapwai, will act as arena director; and Heidi Howard, from Worley, will serve as head judge.
Dance specials will include a men’s Chicken Dance and a women’s Traditional Dance. A pay and match hand drum contest also will take place. All registered drums will receive day pay.
Native American dress is a large part of the pow wow. Outfits are created using various materials including feathers, beads and different fabrics. Typically, the dancer’s family or tribe is represented through the colors and patterns he or she uses in the outfit.
“Pow wows play an important role in the education of our young people,” said Martin. “Cultural values and practices are expressed throughout our pow wow celebrations. Our young people are able to learn many of these values and practices from our elder dancers. Knowledge they will carry with them through the years until they are able to pass it down to their children.”
This event is free and is sponsored by the University of Idaho’s Native American Student Center. For more information, contact Steven Martin at (208) 885-4237.
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About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. Learn more:
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