4th Annual NAISA Traditional Spring Pow Wow

• Be respectful of participants and dancers. Dance regalia are not costumes and permission should be asked before taking pictures of a dancer. 

• The emcee will explain and introduce the different events and dances throughout the Pow Wow. Always stand during honor songs, including grand entry, flag songs, veterans’ songs, and other songs as designated by the emcee. Hats should also be removed.  

• Do not enter the dance arena without permission. The arena will be open to general attendees during the following dances: Intertribal, potato dance, two-step, snake dance, round dance, blanket dance, and honor songs after those being honored have gone around the circle one time. The emcee will explain and introduce the different events and dances throughout the Pow Wow and will invite general attendees out to these different dances. 

• If a drum group is singing or about to sing, do not interrupt them. Permission should be asked prior to recording.  
• Chairs closest to the dancing arena are reserved for dancers, singers, and elders. 

The Native American and Indigenous Student Alliance (NAISA) is a student organization on Northwestern University’s campus for Native American and Indigenous students and allies aiming to build a strong community. We also seek to increase visibility and awareness of our distinct cultures and the different experiences and challenges our communities face. We host weekly gatherings at which we get to know each other, share food, plan upcoming events and actions, and talk about what’s going on in our lives. All are welcome to join us. 

• Emcee: Shannon Martin  |  Citizen of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi Indians - Gun Lake Tribe
• Arena Director: Darren Henson | Keetowah and Cherokee
• Head Dancer: Cheyenne Reel | Ho-Chunk
• Head Dancer: Winfield Wounded Eye | Northern Cheyenne and Ojibwe
• Youth Head Dancer: Santiago Ibarra | Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma
• Youth Head Dancer: Kaylee Ibarra | Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma
• Host Drum: Smokeytown Singers | Zoar, Wisconsin
• Invited Drums: 
  • Little Soldier | Mayetta, Kansas
  • Iron Bear Singers | Chicago, Illinois
  • Indian Community School Eagle Singers | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Invited Guests:
  • Indian Community School Teyukhilihwakhwá·seh̲e̲ɂ̲ Singers | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Color Guard | American Indian Center of Chicago Veterans Group
  • Mariachi Northwestern
  • Frybread & Food by Foxway Catering and Da Local Boy Cafe

Welsh-Ryan Arena 
Address: 2705 Ashland Ave, Evanston, IL, 60208

Free Parking is available at the Welsh-Ryan Arena!

• This Pow Wow is a welcoming, inclusive, supportive and safe environment for all members of the Northwestern University community and beyond, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or gender expression/identity. 
• In light of the purpose of a pow wow and alignment of NAISA values, please see Northwestern's statement on non-discrimination.
• We also prohibit the use of alcohol and drugs at this event.
• If you do not follow these expectations, you will be asked to leave.

Thank you for your interest in being a vendor at the Native American and Indigenous Student Alliance's 4th Annual Spring Pow Wow at Northwestern University! Please apply at this link!

This year's Pow Wow will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Welsh-Ryan Arena (2705 Ashland Ave, Evanston, IL).  Doors will open at 11 a.m. with Grand Entry at noon.  The Pow Wow will conclude at 5 p.m. 

We will let you know if you've been accepted as a vendor on a rolling basis. Booth spaces are free of cost.

Due to limited space, we may not be able to accept all vendors that apply. However, we will keep a waitlist if needed. The Pow Wow committee will prioritize Indigenous vendors.
We can provide one folding table and one chair per vendor booth. If you are accepted as a vendor, we will send out more information on the number of tables and chairs you may bring for your booth. 

The deadline to submit an application is April 15, 2025. 

If you have any questions at all, please reach out to the pow wow planning committee at naisapowwow@gmail.com.

Vendors must comply with US Federal Public Law 101-64, known as the “Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990".

Sign up sheet coming soon!