U of M Virtual Kyiyo Pow Wow Continues this Week

The Annual Kyiyo Pow Wow Celebration is one of the oldest traditions of the Kyiyo Native American Student Association at the U of M. Last year was the start of the pandemic, so naturally the Pow Wow was canceled. This year, the innovative students that have put this celebration on for more than 50 years have moved the event online rather than canceling entirely. If you're not familiar, the purpose of the Kyiyo organization, according to the students involved, is to "bridge the faculty and students of the University of Montana with the communities of Missoula and surrounding area."

The 2021 Kyiyo Pow Wow began on Monday, April 12th, and continues through this Sunday, April 18th. Today's event is a silent auction fundraiser from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Kyiyo Facebook page. Auction items include artwork, earrings, ribbon skirts, fresh frybread, and lots more! Tomorrow, April 15th, they will go live on Facebook for a 'meet & greet' with Kyiyo members from 4 to 5 p.m.

Dance competitions will go live on Saturday and Sunday on the Kyiyo Facebook page. Tune in each day until 10 p.m. to watch traditional collegiate, youth, and officer specials take place. Winners will be announced on Sunday at 5 p.m. All events this week will be shared on the Facebook page, so it's your main source of info for the Pow Wow, you can keep an eye out there, or email kyiyo@mso.umt.edu with any questions or comments. I think these students are wonderful for pulling off some events even though they can't hold their annual celebration at the Adams Center this year.

If you'd like to support the group by purchasing a t-shirt, this year's Pow Wow logo was designed by Kyiyo President Aislyn Baker. There are a limited number of each size from small to 3XL, and you can arrange to pick up at the Payne Family Native American Center on campus, or have them shipped. See the t-shirts and order info here.