Indiana University hosted the annual IU Powwow on April 12 at Wilkinson Hall. The public welcomed the event as the previous year’s Powwow had been canceled and not rescheduled.
In April of 2024 it was announced that the Powwow for that spring had to be canceled because the venue IU provided was no longer available and they could not find a replacement venue in time. This had a major impact on the Bloomington community as many locals look forward to the Powwow all year.
The event is primarily hosted by the IU First Nations Cultural Center, an organization on campus dedicated to supporting American Indian and indigenous students during their time at IU as well as empowering them for success beyond. The First Nations Cultural Center is located on 7th Street in Bloomington and is open to the public as a place to learn and experience diverse cultures and traditions alike.
A conversation about DEI with some IU Powwow participants.
Indiana University recently removed all DEI related content from the Office of Student Life Website. While it has since been partially returned to its original state including DEI language, you can see the difference in the website that is currently up, versus this link to the website that was captured on Feb. 18, 2025. Noticeably, the entire section on the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center is missing from the now archived page which was captured in February. And although the Powwow did not see much impact from the changes this year, this is just one example of the actions from Indiana University that made people question if the Powwow would be happening at all this year or in the future.
Jewelry sold at the vendors market.
Singers from the featured drum circles.
Sights from the IU Powwow
The IU Powwow was held at Wilkinson Hall.
Dancers wore regalia from their cultures.
Dancers are seen doing a potato dance.
A dancer is seen doing a traditional hoop dance.
Sights from the IU Powwow
There are many key things that make the IU Powwow what it is. The first thing that comes to mind is obviously the dancing. There are many kinds of dances featured throughout the day that highlight a variety of traditions. A few for example are a jingle dress dance, a traditional hoop dance or a dance session specifically for the children in the audience are just a few you could see throughout the day.
Another key point is the music. Singing and drumming happen all day to keep the spirits high. The IU Powwow typically features 4 drum circles every year. This year they were Ribbontown, Eagle Flight Singers, Iron Bear and Horse Thief.
Besides the dance circle, the Powwow features many vendors that sell a variety of items from clothing to jewelry. Many of the vendors travel great lengths to attend the Powwow and sell their merchandise as well as meet the locals.
Drum circles at the IU Powwow.
In general, the Powwow is a place of gathering, celebrating culture and expressing yourself through song and dance in a way that some might not always feel comfortable doing. The First Nations Cultural Center provides a variety of events throughout the year besides the powwow, including but not limited to, Mindful Mondays, workshops and clinics.
And while this year’s Powwow has come to an end, planning has already begun for next year’s event. To get more involved with the First Nations Cultural Center and the IU Powwow, you can visit them on their website here or in person at 712 E. 8th St, Bloomington IN.
