The skills of some of the best Native American dancers and drum groups in North America will be on display at the annual Kyi-Yo Celebration on Friday and Saturday, April 16-17, at the University of Montana’s Adams Center.
The theme of this year’s celebration of heritage and artistry is “Existing in the 21st Century.” It recognizes the strength and perseverance of Native peoples and cultures and the commitment of Native American students who have embarked on the path to embrace education and strengthen their families and communities.
General admission is $5 Friday and Saturday evening, and $8 for the full day Saturday. Weekend passes are available for $12. Tickets and passes can be purchased at the door.
The first Grand Entry event will be held at 7 p.m. Friday. Saturday Grand Entry times are noon and 6 p.m. Head dancers this year are UM students Tashina Hunter and Darin Cadman Sr. More information is on the Kyi-Yo Web site at www.umt.edu/kyiyo/powwow.htm.
This year’s Kyi-Yo Celebration will be held in conjunction with the following events:
April 12-16: “Indian Education for All.” An Indian Law Week event presented by UM’s Native American Law Student Association. For more information, call Shane Morigeau at (406) 546-7194 or e-mail shane.morigeau@
umontana.edu.
Wednesday, April 14: Missoula Indian Youth Conference. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University Center.
n April 15-17: The 2010 National Conference on Undergraduate Research at UM. More information is on the NCUR Web site at www.umt.edu/ncur2010.
Kyi-Yo is an Associated Students of UM-recognized club that is open to all university students. The club promotes pride and positive identity in Native American culture and supports cultural diversity on campus.
JT Shining Oneside shared stories about her Ojibwe and Anishinaabe inheritance during the Native American Heritage Month Celebration on Nov. 15. She spoke about the coming-of-age and traditional birth ceremonies. (Photo credit/ Adrianna Adame)