SOU Hosts 33rd Annual Powwow Celebrating Native Cultures

Hundreds of tribes represented at student-led event showcasing singing, dancing, drumming, and traditional regalia

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:56am

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A high-contrast silkscreen print in neon colors depicting a grid of stylized hand drums, each with a heavy black outline, representing the rhythmic heartbeat of the powwow celebration.The vibrant colors and repeated patterns of traditional Native American regalia and instruments come alive in a modern pop art tribute to the enduring cultural celebration of the annual SOU powwow.Ashland Today

The 33rd annual powwow hosted by the Southern Oregon University Native American Student Union (NASU) over the weekend brought together hundreds of tribes from around the country to celebrate Native American culture through singing, dancing, drumming, and the display of colorful traditional regalia. The event was described as 'like stepping into another world' by a staff volunteer, with the NASU president and vice president emphasizing its importance in maintaining and passing down cultural traditions.

Why it matters

The powwow represents an important annual gathering for the Native American community, providing an opportunity to share collective beliefs, language, skills, and abilities with others. It also serves as a way to honor the sacrifices of past generations and encourage young people to remember their heritage and identity.

The details

The two-day powwow featured performances by various dance troupes and drum groups, including Dancing Spirit led by Brent Florendo, a former SOU Native Nations Liaison, and The Coyote Singers, who host weekly events for NASU students to learn about drumming. Participants wore traditional regalia with specific patterns and colors holding symbolic meaning. The event was co-emceed by David West, the SOU Native American Studies director emeritus, who has helped establish the powwow programming over the past 20 years.

  • The 33rd annual powwow was held over the weekend of April 12-13, 2026.
  • The last powwow organized by Eric Harper, a father who helped arrange the event at SOU 20 years ago, was in 2006.

The players

Luke Wolgamott

President of the SOU Native American Student Union (NASU), representing the Shawnee Tribe and Osage Tribe.

Zion LaMarr

Vice President of the SOU Native American Student Union (NASU), a grass dancer from the Pit River Tribe, Paiute Tribe, and Modoc Tribe.

David West

Tribal elder, Southern Oregon University Native American Studies Director Emeritus, and co-emcee of the powwow.

Brent Florendo

Former SOU Native Nations Liaison and leader of the Dancing Spirit drum group.

Eric Harper

A father who helped organize powwows at SOU 20 years ago and brought his 10-year-old son to experience his first powwow.

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What they’re saying

“Culturally, I usually tell people it's a big Indian party, but it's a little bit more than that. It's also a representation of all tribes. All tribes are welcome here and that's something that I think is very valuable. It's bigger than just the dancing, it's for the community as well.”

— Luke Wolgamott, President, SOU Native American Student Union

“Powwow, to me, is something that kind of pays homage to that time when we couldn't celebrate or couldn't practice our traditional ways, and now that we are able to do that, we want to respect those people that were able to, and people that weren't able to.”

— Luke Wolgamott, President, SOU Native American Student Union

“I love Native American history and culture and just joined when I was a student there and they accepted me.”

— Eric Harper

“To show (him) culture (and) history.”

— Eric Harper

“A powwow is 'a gathering of people — it's a positive environment, you get to see traditional dances and soak up those vibes. There's a power to it, like the drum is like the heartbeat of mother earth, so you're just surrounded by vibes and earth powers and beautiful people.”

— Eric Harper

The takeaway

The 33rd annual powwow at Southern Oregon University showcased the vibrant and enduring Native American culture, providing an opportunity for hundreds of tribes to come together, share traditions, and inspire the next generation to maintain their heritage. The event's significance extends beyond just the dancing and performances, serving as a powerful symbol of community, resilience, and the importance of preserving indigenous identity.