WSNARC hosts first annual Grand Mesa Powwow
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The Western Slope Native American Resource Center (WSNARC) is holding its first annual Grand Mesa Powwow on April 5-7.
The powwow will be in CMU’s Brownson Arena and will feature traditional dances, food and 22 Native American vendors. A drum contest will also take place at the event, with more than $28,500 in prizes being awarded.
WSNARC Executive Director Monique Terpstra tells WesternSlopeNow she wanted to bring the event to Grand Junction because the Grand Mesa holds major significance to her tribe — the Utes.
“The Utes lived on Grand Mesa, the Glade, you know, Telluride… all over. So we’re calling it the Grand Mesa Powwow,” Terpstra says.
Terpstra says there are rules of etiquette for powwows. One major point to remember? Their attire is not a costume.
“Do not say ‘that’s a beautiful costume.’ It’s always regalia. It’s beautiful regalia because it’s not a costume. We’re not dressing up, this is part of us.”
Another important rule is not to touch anyone’s regalia without their permission.
The full list of rules of etiquette, terminology used at powwows and a brief history of the celebration are below.
For more information on the powwow — and WSNARC — visit their website.
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