Powwow

Started in 1969, the first UC Davis Powwow was hosted in conjunction with the creation of the Native American Studies Department. In the years to follow, the Powwow has been the culminating event for the Native American Culture Days events and programs put on by the Cross Cultural Center.

The UC Davis powwow is a nationally recognized event that has benefited the campus since its inception and continues to be the premier cultural event for Native Americans and Indigenous peoples in the surrounding local community. Our powwow has hosted and showcased vendors, dancers, judges, head staff, drum groups and attendees from not only all over California but all throughout Indian Country.

The powwow provides an opportunity for many Native American youth, families and community members to join UC Davis in celebration of our cultural traditions and practices. It has served as an excellent recruitment event for prospective undergraduate and graduate students and retention tool for Native students currently enrolled at UC Davis. For some community members the UC Davis powwow may be their first experience on a college campus where they get to see there is a strong Native American presence and community on campus.

Davis students who are involved with the planning of the powwow are able to maintain their roots and build a stronger connection to their identity while navigating their experience as an Indigenous scholar in a Western educational institution. The UC Davis student organized and run powwow is one of the longest running student powwows in California.