Masquerade powwow brings the community together to learn, laugh
Indigenous Democracy Reporter
Attendees dressed as characters from Native folklore, such as the Deer Woman, a deer spirit who seduces men before leading them to their deaths, at the UTTC masquerade powwow on Oct. 28. Photo credit/ Adianna Adame
Adorned with antlers, the Deer Woman carefully paced her footwork while she danced during Halloween festivities, while fairies, witches and goblins milled around the James Henry Gymnasium.
More than 500 community members attended the United Tribes Technical College’s masquerade powwow Oct. 28, with many dressed as characters from Native folklore, such as the Deer Woman, a deer spirit who seduces men before leading them to their deaths. Others wore vampire, zombie, and other traditional Halloween costumes.
Throughout the college’s masquerade powwow, laughter could be heard as dancers freestyled their own moves across the floor.
“It’s supposed to be funny,” said Melvin Miner, the school’s campus planner and a cultural coordinator. “I think the main basis is that you come together to laugh.”
Attendees engaged in pumpkin painting, face painting, a cakewalk, and a raffle for door prizes. Some people danced, while many elders came to watch the festivities. Most attendees come to reconnect with the community and have a good time, Miner said.
Crystal Black Cloud brought her two daughters to the masquerade powwow to dance. Her fifth-grader dressed as Ghostface and her third-grader wore a Pennywise-inspired princess costume.
“I bring my girls to enjoy the whole atmosphere of the masquerade, including the music, the laughs and the games provided,” said Black Cloud. “We connect with other friends and old coworkers.”
She said her favorite part of the masquerade is the contests. Watching participants give their best shot at “lilili-ing” and seeing her kids dance makes her consider competing next year. “I try to come every year to see the entertainment and maybe will try to dance again one year,” Black Cloud said.
In addition to the festivities, there was also a contest where participants were asked to make a soup that fed up to 30 people. Nineteen contestants entered the contest, feeding nearly all of the powwow’s attendees. Placing 1st-4th place for best soup were Brett Smith, Sarah Dogeagle, Karla Christopherson and Lewis Baker Dogeagle.
Black Cloud tried two of the soups her friends made, including the cheeseburger and a chicken tortellini soup. She also grabbed a serving of fry bread to eat with her kids.
Every year UTTC tries to improve the masquerade powwow as it continues to grow. “It’s getting better and better and I think it’s because we’re getting more people involved,” Miner said.
The annual event is free and open to everyone in the public. Miner wants UTTC to build relationships with non-Natives and encourages people from the Bismarck-Mandan area to come to the campus for the fun.
“If you want to be a good relative or a good neighbor – share your culture too,” Miner said.