This quarter, new faculty Jessica Bissett-Perea and John-Carlos Perea are co-teaching a new iteration of “Powwow Cultures in Native North America.”
While a powwow course existed in the past, this is the first time it’s an interdisciplinary offering between American Indian Studies and the School of Music. The course will cover historic and contemporary powwow practices through a variety of activities, including participation in the annual First Nations @ UW Spring Powwow and interactions with powwow musicians, dancers and organizers.
“The class changes from instructor to instructor,” Perea said. “Everybody’s going to have their own take on it. We’re looking forward to entering that discussion, especially considering we are still new to town. We want to use this not just to talk about how we’ve experienced powwow music and events, but also to take the opportunity to be able to learn more about how these events have functioned in the Seattle area.”
The Department originally created this course in support of the First Nations @ UW Annual Powwow and has continued to support the Powwow both in this class, and beyond. UW News recently published a beautiful story about the new course offering with the Pereas.
If you're considering attending the Powwow this year, we'd highly recommend it! Check out their invitation below:
We at First Nations @ UW are so happy to announce that the 54rd Annual Spring Powwow at the University of Washington is happening on April 12-13th, 2025.
All are welcome and invited.
Admission is free, but be sure to check out the array of items for sale from our vendors (cash preferred) as well as concessions! For more information, about schedule and questions like where to park, look under the Powwow tab on the website to find the Schedule and FAQ tabs.
This powwow is a space for healing and coming together in community, as such, this is a zero tolerance event—NO drugs, NO alcohol, NO fighting.
Spring Powwow is student organized, but would not be possible without the guidance and support of community members, UW staff and alumni, and our generous donors and contributors. Thank you to all who have worked to make this happen!