Saint Anselm College Hosts First Annual “Hawk Powwow”
April 24, 2008

The Thomas Sullivan Arena was filled with the rhythmic drumbeats and full regalia of a traditional powwow on Saturday, April 19.

Organized in response to several classes and groups on campus that have encountered Native American culture this semester, the event was a draw for over 150 students, faculty and members of the public.

 A freshman English class, Native American Voices, offered by Prof. Denise Askin, accompanied with a history class offered by Fr. William Sullivan, O.S.B., provided the perfect backdrop for what was billed as the first annual Saint Anselm College Teaching Powwow.

Emily Rowden, a Saint Anselm sophomore worked with Askin and a core group of faculty and students to plan the event. Rowden and her parents are members of the Cherokee Tribe featured in the powwow.

Saturday morning the powwow commenced with a peace pipe ceremony and several hours of dance, storytelling and singing. Word-of-mouth advertising by the Rowden family drew participants from New England and beyond, with two dancers coming from New York to participate.

Some 40 participants were involved in the powwow circle throughout the day.

In addition to the circle where the formal powwow was occurring, several interpretative and educational stations were set up around the arena with native crafts and cultural items. A “learning drum” was also in place for those who desired to test their drumming skills.

With a successful inaugural year, the powwow will likely become an annual event for the college. “The participants were absolutely pleased with the venue, and the interest expressed by the community,” said Askin.