Nearly 30,000 people attended the Stanford University Powwow to enjoy dancing, drumming and singing in a multicultural, alcohol-free environment, filled with respect and joy.

On May 10 this 42-year-old Stanford tradition brought together several indigenous Nations from the United States and from Canada to reaffirm their culture and their customs.

“The singers and drums are an essential part of the Powwow,” said Deyo Esquivel, who plays the drums and sings for Southern Express, a group from the Bay Area.
Approximately 300 people competed in different categories for men and women, elders, youth and children. Tiny Tots, for example, is a category for children 6 and under, which promotes the practice and preservation of tribal customs from a very early stage in life.

The origins of the Powwow date back to tribal celebrations that had both spiritual and healing purposes. Over time, the Powwow celebrations have become open intertribal competitions with dance, music and singing.

The songs often contain syllables that are not necessarily actual words, but they still convey the healing magic that music has on the human spirit. It suffices to stand close to a group of singers beating a drum to experience the energy and spirituality.

Stanford University, where there is an educational tradition for these groups since 1894, is one of the schools with the largest number of Native American students in the country. The Stanford American Indian Organization is responsible for organizing the Powwow.

Latin America was represented at the Powwow with the participation of Aztec dancers. “The Powwow recognizes the Aztec people as an indigenous group from our continent,” said Ralph Crane, singer from the Tsuu t’ina Nation and a group native from Calgary, Canada.

The dancer and teacher Gerardo Salinas, from the Bay Area group called Esplendor Azteca, said: “Our origins unite us as brothers, and we are always welcome to participate in this event.”

Powwow attendees also enjoyed traditional foods, ethnic musical instruments, textiles, paintings, sculptures, original jewelry, and other handmade works by Huichol Indians of Mexico, weavers from Peru and many others.

Tadeo Meleán, a student of sociology at Stanford, said he had attended the Powwow every year. “Leaving the exotic behind, and given that we do not interact with native tribes as much as we should, the cultural experience offered by the Powwow is unparalleled,” he said.