NATCHITOCHES – An intertribal Native American dance demonstration will take place Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Theatre West on the Northwestern State University campus. Admission is free and open to the public. The demonstration is sponsored by the Native American Culture Association at NSU.

     Tunica-Biloxi and other Native American powwow and stomp dancers will perform traditional dances including the Men’s Fancy Dance, the Women’s Jingle Dance, the Gourd Dance, the Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance, the Women’s Buckskin Dance, and the Stomp Dance.

     According to Northwestern Professor of Anthropology Dr. Hiram F. “Pete” Gregory the demonstration “will show people what goes on at a powwow. We’re trying to explain the regalia, clothes, music, and dance.”

     Gregory said at a regular powwow the performers are too busily engaged in the activities of the event and often lack the time to explain the cultural aspects of the powwow.

     This event will provide a rare opportunity for students and the surrounding community to gain a much clearer understanding of how the Native American participants perceive the event. The event will also be a raffle fundraiser for the upcoming powwow which will be held at NSU on January 23, 2010.