MDN File Photo Dancers participate in the Grand Entry parade during the 31st Annual Spring Honor Dance and Powwow Celebration in 2021 in the Minot State University Dome. The event was hosted by the Minot State Native American Cultural Center and Native American Cultural Awareness Club.

Minot State University will welcome the community to campus for the 36th Annual Spring Honor Dance & Powwow Celebration Week, Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, at the Minot State Dome.

Hosted by the Native American Cultural Center and Native American Cultural Awareness Club, the event is free and open to the public.

The annual powwow is one of Minot State’s most vibrant cultural traditions, bringing together dancers, drummers, artists and spectators from across the region to celebrate Native American heritage through song, dance and community.

Activities begin Friday with an educational program led by Kennedy Bruce (Porcupine Woman) from noon-2 p.m. at the MSU Dome. The session will focus on cultural teachings and is open to the public. Registration opens at 4 p.m., followed by grand entry at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule begins with registration at 10 a.m. and ends with the closing at 12:30 p.m. Grand entry will take place at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. The evening also will feature an Honor Parade recognizing Minot State’s graduating Class of 2026.

Charlie Moran will serve as master of ceremonies with Wade Baker as arena director.

Powwow competition categories will include men’s (traditional, grass, fancy, chicken) and women’s (traditional, fancy, jingle) dance styles, along with golden age, adult, teen, junior and tiny tot divisions. Prize money will be awarded across multiple age groups, with drum groups eligible for a drum split.

The Native American Cultural Club will sponsor an all-age hand game tournament on Friday and Saturday. Often referred to as stick games, hand games are rooted in generations of cultural practice, combining skill, strategy, music and community connection. Beyond competition, hand games carry deep cultural significance. They serve as a way to strengthen community bonds, pass down traditions and engage younger generations in cultural learning. The games often incorporate storytelling elements and, in some traditions, hold spiritual meaning.

In addition to the tournament, families are invited to attend a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Day on Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon on the second floor of the Minot State Dome, hosted by the CIRCLES Alliance. The event is designed to provide interactive, educational activities that encourage curiosity and hands-on learning for participants of all ages. There will be food, games and activities. For more information on the STEAM event, contact Dan Conn, chair of Education and Inclusive Services, at 858-3267.

The weekend will also feature vendors and opportunities for community engagement.

The Spring Honor Dance & Powwow Celebration reflects Minot State’s ongoing commitment to cultural awareness, inclusion and community connection, offering an opportunity for education and celebration for all who attend.

Primitive camping will be available north of the MSU Dome, and information about hotel accommodations is available on the Native American Cultural Center accommodations website. For more information, contact the Native American Cultural Center at 858-3365 or 800-777-0750, ext. 3365.