Students from the American Indian Student Association are preparing for their 10th annual powwow this weekend at East Phillips Park in south Minneapolis.
The traditional-style powwow will draw Native American visitors and performers from all over the continent, including Montana, Arizona and Ontario. Student organizer and White Earth Anishinaabe tribe member Chad Uran said he expects about 3,000 attendees this weekend.
The powwow is a celebration to remember Native American history and culture, Uran said.
This year the powwow will honor mothers and grandmothers in traditional dances for Mother’s Day. New faculty and students in the Department of American Indian Studies will also be honored.
Highlights of the weekend include the grand entries, or traditional dances, and a feast of venison, wild rice and frybread on Saturday. Last year, about 500 people ate at the festival, Uran said.
Uran said admission recruiters from local colleges, including the University, will attend the powwow to reach out to Native American elementary and high school students.
Grand entries will be at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. The feast will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. All events are free.

— Sara Goo