Devin Murphy



Projects by Devin Murphy

Song, Dance, Tradition: IU’s Annual Powwow Doesn’t Hold Back

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (Apr. 15, 2025) — This past Saturday, Indiana University Bloomington’s First Nations Educational & Cultural Center (FNECC) hosted their 12th annual Powwow at Wilkinson Hall. Performers and spectators alike gathered in a lively arena from 11am to 8pm, sharing in song, dance, food and celebration of the many Indigenous cultures spread across North America. In typical Powwow fashion, dancers converged at the center of the arena and moved to live music performed by four separate drum circles, located at each corner of the gym. Merchants

 

Handcrafted jewelry available for purchase at one of the Merchant stalls.
Hand crafted jewelry sparkles in the light above a traditional blanket. Merchants sold jewelry, clothing and other items at IU’s annual Powwow.

 stationed behind the dance floor offered colorful garbs, ornate jewelry and other hand crafted items for sale. Volunteers placed throughout the venue helped answer any questions curious attendees may have had and a registration booth was available for those with Indigenous ancestry to sign up to dance.

When attending a Powwow, one thing that is immediately noticeable upon entry is the bright and intricate clothing which stands in stark comparison to the average Western attire seen throughout Bloomington and perhaps the rest of the country. Clothing which takes on a life of its own, as the fabric accentuates the movements of the performers and bells sown into the pant legs jingle in tandem with the rhythm of the drums. Braided hair and

A dancer in colorful regalia performs in the center of the circle.
A dancer in colorful regalia performs in the center of the circle. Spectators watched from the stands as his garments brought the music to life.

ribbons sway in such a way as to give the impression that one can almost see the melodies flowing through the air. No one outfit is alike, as countless colors and pieces of regalia are tailored to the individual but it all comes together in a breathtaking cohesion when united on the dance floor by Head Dancers Katy Issenock and Johnston Taylor. 

The music featured was also different from what one would expect on a popular American radio station. Across the arena were four different drum circles, comprised of north and south. On the Northern Drums were groups Ribbontown and the Eagle Flight Singers. On the Southern drums were Iron Bear and Horsethief. While the groups performed in unison, there were times when one group would play while only their respective Nation would dance. Microphones were used to amplify the music so it could be heard throughout the venue and Emcee Gordon Sands directed which songs and dances were to be performed at specific times. 

Musicians converse during a period of intermission.
Drum circle members take a break in between performances. The music comprised of four different drum circles and a group of live singers.

While there were countless performers, I was able to interview two dancers who’s moves and clothing stood out to me. The first was a man who, in my nervousness at interviewing a subject for the first time, I forgot to ask for his name. As such, my including his quotes and footage is unprofessional as well as unacceptable but I’m not going to lie and make up a name for him. This man informed me that he had been attending Powwows since he was “in diapers… usually attending other Powwows around Indiana like Tipton and National Powwow” but that this was his first time attending the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center’s here at IU, after recently moving to the area. His attire was “made up of a hodgepodge of pieces from other suits” he has been collecting throughout his life. Dancing was a relatively new endeavor of his but he “has always been in the culture”. For this Powwow, he was wearing a Roach (headdress) comprised of scalp feathers, tan buckskin leggings with bells, red and blue side drops, and beaded shoes. Jose, a Bloomington resident who was attending his second Powwow, provided a detailed description of his attire, which included black leather Mexican

Performer Jose dances with fellow performers. This was Jose’s first time at IU’s annual Powwow and his second Powwow he’d ever attended.

sandals called huaraches, formal pants & socks, an embroidered shirt traditional to “modern day Central Mexico”, and a serape (poncho) made of cotton imported from Mexico. When asked about why people should attend Powwows, Jose said that “if you’re an Indigenous American… it’s a way to connect with your culture or to your relative’s culture if you’re Indigenous to Canada or Mexico or in the Americas and if you’re not, it’s a good thing to come to, to just learn about the Indigenous cultures of the country that you’re in”. 

As someone who attended a Powwow for the very first time here at IU, Jose perfectly summed up why experiencing a Powwow for yourself is a great idea in order to learn more about Indigenous culture and perhaps even your own. IU’s First Nations Educational and Cultural Center puts on a lively, inclusive and informative event

Family members dance together in the circle. Many families, both performers and spectators, enjoyed the event.

that leaves patrons well fed, physically and spiritually. It’s a great event to either check out for yourself or experience with friends and family and luckily for Bloomington residents, it’s free to enjoy every spring. 

Performers gather at IU First Nations Education and Cultural Center’s annual spring Powwow. Spectators watched and listened to live music performed by four drum circles.

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Staying Ahead of the Times: Apple Watch is a New Level of Connection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2014

Media Contacts

Vivian Ferreri vferreri@iu.edu

Sylvia Sasse ssasse1414@gmail.com

Devin Murphy devohnine@gmail.com

Apple Introduces the Revolutionary Apple Watch: A Stylish, Smart, and Personal Way to Stay Connected

CUPERTINO, California (September 9th 2014), Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the world to the Apple Watch, a new device designed to improve life. This small, stylish watch does more than just tell time. It helps you stay in touch, track your health, and organize your day, all from your wrist.

“Apple Watch is the most personal device we’ve ever created,” Cook said. “It’s designed to be with you every moment of the day, keeping you connected and helping you live better.”

Apple has changed the way people use technology. The iPod (2001) made it easy to carry any song in your pocket. The iPhone (2007) put a phone, camera, and computer all in one. The iPad (2010) created a new way to browse the web, read, and watch videos. Now, this new device brings the same level of innovation, quality, and seamless integration to a watch that fits perfectly into daily life.

Philip, a 27 year old fitness enthusiast checks his heart rate after his daily run. The Apple Watch’s health resources helped Philip prepare for his latest marathon, where he ran his fastest time yet.

The Apple Watch has a bright screen and a special button called the Digital Crown that makes scrolling and selecting simple. You can customize how it looks by choosing different watch faces and changing the band to match your style. The watch comes in three models: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Just like previous phones, the Apple watch allows calls, texts, and notifications without pulling out your phone. The watch buzzes on your wrist to let you know you have a message. You can also send fun messages, like drawings or even your heartbeat, to friends and family. 

The Apple Watch isn’t just smart; it also helps you stay healthy. It has an Activity app that reminds you to move throughout the day and tracks how much exercise you get. It also has a heart rate sensor that lets you see how active you are. Whether you’re going for a walk or

Luke, a 24 year old server uses the stopwatch feature on his iPhone to ensure he prepares a customer’s espresso in a timely fashion. Restaurant rules prevented Luke from having access to his phone but the Apple Watch helped him monitor important text messages in a professional environment.

 just for a quick jog, the Apple Watch can help you reach your fitness goals. The watch encourages a more active lifestyle by providing reminders to stand up, move around, and close your activity rings, making it a great product for those trying to get more active.

“We designed the Apple Watch to be more than a timepiece. It’s a tool to help you live a healthier, more active life,” said Jony Ive, Apple’s Chief Design Officer. “It seamlessly blends technology and personal well-being in a way that is both functional and beautiful.”

The Apple Watch runs on a special system called watchOS, which is made just for the watch. It includes features like Glances, which show you things like the weather or your calendar, and Force Touch. Force Touch lets the watch tell the difference between a tap and a press, giving you more control. With the simple raise of a wrist, you can check their messages, view upcoming appointments, or control their music. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use, even for those new to wearable technology.

The watch also comes with built-in apps, like Apple Pay, which lets you pay at stores 

Doug, a 50 year old veteran bartender, chats with customers. He liked the durability of the Apple Watch in a hectic environment and the fact it allowed him to communicate crucial information to management without leaving the bar.

just by holding your wrist near the register. Maps on the watch even give you directions with a tap on your wrist when it’s time to turn. The ability to use Apple Pay means you can leave your wallet at home and still make purchases securely. With voice commands through Siri, the Apple Watch allows users to stay productive without needing to pull out their phones.

Apple Watch comes in different materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and even 18-karat gold. There are also many different bands, from sporty rubber to elegant leather and metal, so you can make the watch truly your own. Every detail of the Apple Watch has been crafted with care to ensure it not only looks good but feels comfortable on the wrist. The variety of styles ensures that there is a perfect match for every personality and lifestyle, making it more than just a piece of technology—it’s a fashion statement.

“We wanted the Apple Watch to be something personal, something that fits your life,” said Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Jeff Williams. “It’s more than just a device—it’s a reflection of you.”

Apple Watch will be available in early 2015, starting at $349. As more developers create apps for the watch, it will become even more useful. With more apps, the Apple Watch will continue to grow, offering new features and services over time. The combination of health tracking, communication tools, and seamless integration with the iPhone makes it one of the most advanced wearables on the market.

Tim Cook explains the intricacies of Apple Computer Inc.’s latest device, the apple watch. Cook announced the release of this product September 9 at the Flint Center at De Anza College in Cupertino, California

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