The steady beat of drums pulsed through Wilkinson Hall as the 2025 Indiana University Spring Powwow welcomed guests from across the Midwest. Hosted by IU’s First Nations Educational and Cultural Center, the annual event transformed the space into a vibrant celebration of Native American heritage, inviting students, families, and local residents to experience the rich traditions of Indigenous communities.
From the moment attendees entered the venue, they were immersed in a sensory experience steeped in culture. The rhythmic drumming, a heartbeat of the gathering, set the tone for a day of unity, expression, and respect. Dancers in colorful regalia moved in unison, their steps rooted in generations of tradition. Each movement, each rhythm carried meaning, passed down from elders and shared across tribal lines.
The powwow served as both a celebration and a bridge bringing together Native and non-Native communities through music, movement, and storytelling. With representatives from tribal nations throughout the region, the event highlighted the diversity and resilience of Indigenous peoples while fostering understanding and connection within the broader IU community.
Throughout the day, Wilkinson Hall buzzed with activity. Beyond the central dance circle, vendors offered handmade jewelry, traditional beadwork, art, and clothing. The scent of fry bread drifted through the air, drawing long lines of attendees eager to sample Indigenous cuisine. Families browsed booths showcasing cultural crafts while children watched dancers with awe, some dreaming of wearing regalia of their own in future powwows.
Skylar Alsup explains his role in the Powwow as an invited dancer.
A series of intertribal dances allowed all to participate, regardless of background. These inclusive moments emphasized the powwow’s welcoming spirit, encouraging cultural exchange while honoring the customs of those who came before. The powwow was not simply a performance it was a living tradition. Every drumbeat, every step, every stitch of regalia spoke to stories of identity, resistance, and pride.
For Indigenous students at IU, the Spring Powwow held a deeper meaning. It provided a rare opportunity to connect with peers who share similar backgrounds, celebrate cultural identity, and feel seen within the university environment. In a state where Indigenous presence can often feel invisible, the event stood as a visible and powerful reminder of history, continuity, and community.
The powwow also underscored Indiana University’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces that respect and uplift all cultural and spiritual traditions. In a campus environment enriched by students from a wide range of identities, the powwow served as a poignant example of how cultural practices can thrive when given space and support.
Competitive dance categories brought additional excitement to the day, as participants of all ages showcased their skills, regalia, and dedication. From tiny tots to elders, dancers demonstrated not only talent but a deep reverence for tradition. Judges evaluated performances based on rhythm, technique, and regalia authenticity, with winners recognized in categories like men’s fancy dance, women’s jingle, and traditional style dances.
Cecilia Sanchz talks about what it’s like coming back to this event as an alumnus.
Behind the scenes, months of planning and coordination went into making the event a success. Organizers from the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center worked closely with students, families, tribal representatives, and university departments to ensure the powwow remained true to its roots while welcoming the broader IU and Bloomington communities.
As the event came to a close, the echoes of drums lingered an enduring sound that symbolized not just celebration, but resilience. The IU Spring Powwow was more than an event; it was a declaration of presence, a moment of cultural affirmation, and a reminder that Native traditions are alive, vibrant, and continuing to shape the stories of today.
Through gatherings like this, Indiana University continues to strengthen its role as a place where all identities can be honored, expressed, and shared. And in the heart of Bloomington, that commitment resounded clearly with every beat of the drum.
