Students, Teachers Take Part In Pow-wow

The Wolf Point High School Wolf People organized the annual powwow Thursday, Sept. 23, as part of the annual Native American Week celebration.

The celebration took place at the Wadopana Arbor with Nakoa Heavy Runner serving as emcee.

Lunch was provided by the Wolf Point School District. School officials estimate that the annual event has taken place for about the last 10 years.

“It’s really important for the kids,” Wolf Point superintendent of schools Loverty Erickson said of the activity. “It teaches them the basic pow-wow etiquette. And, it gives them pride.”

She is pleased that teachers can play a role in the activities including handing out the free lunches.

“It’s a non-threatening way to go out and have fun,” Erickson said. One activity was teachers displaying their ability in a fun dance exhibit.

“We’re very grateful to our teachers,” Heavy Runner said.

Erickson said that Native American Week was successful in Wolf Point.

“It’s been a great week,” Erickson said. “There were so many activities in every school.”

One highlight was elders going into classrooms to teach students about various topics including dress-making and Alaskan culture.

A joint homecoming/Native American Week parade was also held Friday.