UTA Native American Student-Led Powwow Celebrates 30 Years

The annual event commemorated the memory of former club adviser Les Ridingin and community member Peggy Larney.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:43pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a traditional Native American drum, repeated in a grid pattern with overlapping neon colors and heavy black outlines, capturing the energy and artistry of the UTA powwow celebration.The vibrant sights and sounds of the 30th annual UTA Native American Student Association powwow celebrate the enduring traditions and community spirit of indigenous culture in North Texas.Fort Worth Today

The Native American Student Association at the University of Texas at Arlington hosted its 30th annual powwow, drawing over 1,200 attendees, 40 vendors, and 90 competing dancers. The event celebrated Native American culture and heritage, with performances, traditional foods, and educational opportunities for the broader Arlington community. The powwow also commemorated the legacies of former club adviser Les Ridingin and community member Peggy Larney.

Why it matters

The UTA powwow provides a vital platform for Native American students and community members to share their culture, traditions, and history with the broader public. In a region with a growing Native American population, the event helps foster understanding, connection, and pride in indigenous identity and heritage.

The details

The powwow featured traditional drumming, singing, and dancing performances, as well as dozens of vendors selling handmade arts, crafts, and foods. Organizers Stephen Silva-Brave and Carletta Granado worked to plan the all-day event, which was open to the public. The powwow also commemorated the legacies of former club adviser Les Ridingin, who helped run the event for years, and community member Peggy Larney.

  • The powwow was held on April 4, 2026.
  • Ridingin passed away in August 2025.

The players

Native American Student Association

The student organization at the University of Texas at Arlington that hosts the annual powwow.

Stephen Silva-Brave

President of the Native American Student Association and co-organizer of the 2026 powwow.

Carletta Granado

Vice president of the Native American Student Association and co-organizer of the 2026 powwow.

Les Ridingin

Former club adviser who helped run the powwow for years.

Peggy Larney

Community member who was commemorated at the 2026 powwow.

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What they’re saying

“The whole day is like a big celebration. Some people are hesitant to go to a powwow. They think, 'It's not for me. It's not for my culture. I'm not Native. Let them do their thing.' But it is. It's open to everyone.”

— Stephen Silva-Brave, President, Native American Student Association

“Especially for those people that have said this is their first time ever trying an Indian taco, they're in for a treat.”

— Karen Maytubby, Owner, Karen's Frybread

“He knew everyone that came out, the vendors that he's worked with, the staff. … You kind of build a community and a family, especially if you're far from home.”

— Amanda Neztsosie, Co-owner, Begay Navajo Arts

“That drum itself just hits you right in the heart, and it's pulling you in, and you just feel an overwhelming presence of generations.”

— Carletta Granado, Vice President, Native American Student Association

What’s next

The Native American Student Association is already planning for next year's 31st annual powwow, which will likely take place in early April 2027.

The takeaway

The UTA powwow serves as a powerful celebration of Native American culture, heritage, and community, providing an inclusive space for both indigenous and non-indigenous attendees to learn, connect, and appreciate the vibrant traditions of the region's first peoples.