The MSU American Indian Council annual powwow, which had been scheduled April 10-11, has been canceled due to concerns about COVID-19. One of the largest powwows in the state, the event annually attracts thousands of participants and visitors from throughout the region and Canada. Photo: MSU
BOZEMAN – The American Indian Council and the Montana State University Department of Native American Studies announced Friday that the 2020 American Indian Council Powwow will be canceled due to concerns about the coronavirusdisease COVID-19.
The MSU American Indian Council Powwow is traditionally one of the largest in Montana, attracting thousands of visitors and participants. This year’s powwow, which had been scheduled April 10-11, would have been the 45th at MSU.
Walter Fleming, head of MSU’s Department of Native American Studies, said his department and the American Indian Council deeply regret canceling the much-anticipated event, but the health of all participants and visitors is of foremost concern.
“Our powwows are intergenerational events that bring to Bozeman guests from all around the region and Canada,” Fleming said. “We are deeply concerned about the health of all our visitors, vendors and participants but particularly our elders, who are among the most vulnerable. Canceling the powwow seems the safest, most prudent course of action at this time.”
Fleming said the MSU Powwow Committee does not intend to reschedule this year’s event.
Lisa Perry, American Indian Council adviser and director of the Office of American Indian and Alaska Native Student Success, said the university is deeply grateful to the students who have worked very hard for nearly a year to plan and raise funds for the event, which is free to all participants as a result of a year of student fundraising.
“This cancellation does not negate the hard work MSU’s students have put into preparations for our powwow thus far,” Perry said. “(The students) are disappointed but recognize that the health and safety of their families and our visitors comes first.”
All powwow events, including a fun run, basketball tournament and a brunch sponsored by the MSU Foundation, are included in the cancellation.
For more information, go to montana.edu/aic or contact Lisa Perry at 406-994-4880 or lisa.perry2@montana.edu or Nick Ross-Dick, ned@montana.edu.
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