First District Powwow Honors the Gift of Tradition

The theme of Federal Way Public Schools’ first-ever powwow, sponsored by the Native Education Program, is “Honoring the Gift of Tradition”. The powwow will be held at Federal Way High School on Saturday, Nov. 22.  The program begins at 1 p.m. with the first Grand Entry, featuring Native Dancers from across the region parading into the gymnasium with the FWHS JROTC providing Color Guard. At 7 p.m., a second Grand Entry will take place with Todd Beamer’s JROTC providing Color Guard.

During the nine-hour event, traditional Native dances -- including Elders, Tiny Tots and Hand Drum dances – will be performed.  Admission is free and all are invited to attend. The powwow is a multi-cultural event that will include representatives of other cultural groups from across the district, including the Decatur Latino Club and Federal Way Pacific Islander Club. In addition, community service providers and district programs will have information booths available for attendees. The Washington State Urban Indian Tobacco Coalition is co-sponsoring the program with funding from the Washington State Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Control program. 

Native Education Program Coordinator Maxine Alex notes that, while only 350 Native American students are identified in the district’s database, around 1,000 students have self-identified as at least part Native American on the PSAT.  Her goal is to increase the visibility of the program to encourage students who qualify for services to participate. At one time administered by Puget Sound Educational Service District, the program is now in its second year as a district-administered program.

For more information on the program or on the upcoming powwow, please contact Ms. Alex at malex@fwps.org, or at 253-945-4583.

November 17, 2008