Spectacular Annual Kyiyo Powwow Friday and Saturday in Missoula

One of the nation’s longest running student-organized powwows will be held this Friday and Saturday, April 17-18 at the University of Montana Adams Center.

UM News Service tells us that the annual Kyiyo Powwow Grand Entry begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and at both noon and 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday. Children 6 years and under and seniors are admitted for free.

POWWOW HISTORY

Since 1968, UM’s Kyiyo Native American Student Association has organized the annual spring powwow, drawing tribes and Indigenous people from across Montana and beyond. Now in its 57th year, the event is produced entirely by the student group, which plays an integral role in promoting the cultural traditions and customs of all Native Americans at the University.

THOUGHTS FROM THE COORDINATOR

Virgil Mad Plume, the UM American Indian student services program coordinator, was quoted in the press release as saying, “The event celebrates Indian Nations across Montana and the university community. The Kyiyo Pow Wow reflects that relationship between Native culture, our community, youth and the story of UM. Our students work hard all year organizing and putting this on. It’s a source of pride to host this every year.”

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ENROLLMENT ON THE RISE

Friday also will include a Native Student Admitted Day at UM’s Payne Family Native American Center. Admitted Native students planning to attend UM in the fall will participate in specialized programming, meet with staff and faculty, and explore majors and wellness programs.

The University of Montana's Native student enrollment has experienced significant growth over the last few years, reaching 839 Native students enrolled in the fall, 2025 semester, representing a 40% increase since 2018.  

“Kyiyo” means bear in the Blackfeet language. For more activities planned during the annual Kyiyo Powwow, visit this page of the UM website.