See Spectacular Kyiyo Pow Wow Events at U of Montana This Weekend

Climbing out from under COVID cancellations and back to full strength!

That's the good news shared about one of the nation’s oldest student-run powwows and a beloved University of Montana tradition. The 54th annual Kyiyo Pow Wow will be held on the University of Montana campus this Friday and Saturday, April 21-22, in the Adams Center.

UM News Service tells us that the Kyiyo Pow Wow will feature Native singing, dancing, beautiful outfits with so much attention to detail, story sharing and other events. A full week of activities will take place on campus, culminating in the big celebrations Friday and Saturday, to which the public in invited.

Unifying Indigenous people from across Montana and the the nation, the celebration "preserves the rich heritage of tribes and cultures while renewing old traditions." Riley Werk, co-president of Kyiyo Native American Student Association, says, “It’s such an honor to uphold this momentous celebration after all the hardships we’ve collectively experienced in the past three years.

“The positive effects that celebrations such as these have on our people are truly remarkable, in the aspect that it brings joy and excitement.”

Grand entry times are at 7:00 p.m. Friday and at noon and 7:00 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free for children 6 and under and seniors over 65. General admission is only $7 on Friday, $12 on Saturday or $15 for the entire weekend. Tickets will be available at the Adams Center Ticket Window, or you can purchase in advance on the Kyiyo Pow Wow page of griztix.com.

Also, a quick acknowledgement of 2023 Kyiyo royalty and others:

Miss Kyiyo: Cailei Cummins.

Jr. Miss Kyiyo: Morgan Layne Shakespeare.

Little Misos Kyiyo: Tamia Audyn Bull Bear.

2023 Kyiyo head staff:

Master of Ceremony: Ruben Little Head Sr.

Head Man: Conan Cutstherobe.

Head Woman: Wozek Chandler.

Arena Director: Walter Runsabove.

Head Drum Judge: Aaron Denny.

Head Dance Judge: Jeremy Shield.

Host Drum: Dry Lake.