The Native American Cultural Center and Native American Cultural Awareness Club at Minot State University will host bingo nights on Jan. 27, Feb. 24, and March 22 to raise funds for the annual spring powwow. The events will begin at 6 p.m. each of the scheduled nights in the Conference Center on the third floor of Minot State University’s Student Center. The events are open to the public.

Each night will feature five merchandise games and one cash 50/50 blackout, with the merchandise games running $5 a packet and $5 three-on-one for the blackout games. Popcorn and pop will be available, as well as raffle tickets for jewelry and a Native American quilt, according to information provided by Minot State.

“To have a powwow, you need dancers and drums,” said Annette Mennem, Minot State University Native American Cultural Center director. “They travel to compete for prize money, and that along with the other cost of having a powwow, these fundraisers are a must to make our annual powwow happen.”

Mennem added, “People like to snack while they play bingo so we plan to offer some baked goods in February. In March, we will have a frybread taco sale, with all funds going to our powwow.”

The 32nd annual Spring Honor Dance and Powwow will be held at the MSU Dome April 22-23 and will feature standard dancing, drumming, and an honor parade for the Minot State graduating class of 2022. Additional events are planned prior to the Friday night Grand Entry.

“Minot State will be adding to the spring celebration by honoring the North Dakota tribal nations with events prior to the two-day powwow,” said Mennem. “These events — tipi raising, Indigenous gardens planting, and dance and drum lessons — will be offered to local schools, communities, and residents.”

The April events are free and open to the public, and vendors will be on site during the powwow selling authentic Native American clothing, crafts, and food. A full itinerary will be released at a later date.