This year’s Mother’s Day Powwow, running May 10-12, marks its 56th celebration at the University of Oregon. The powwow, which includes traditional dances, ceremonies and a salmon bake, is intended to honor and celebrate the native community, mothers and graduating seniors.
“The UO Mother’s Day Powwow is the longest-running college powwow in the nation,” said Jason Younker, assistant vice president and advisor to the president on sovereignty and government-to-government relations. “Not only do we have an opportunity to honor the most important people in our lives, but our tribal communities come from all over the region to celebrate the importance of women.”
The annual celebration is a designated Oregon Heritage Event and the oldest documented powwow in the state.
“Our powwow has a rich history,” said Katie Staton, Many Nations Longhouse steward. “Generations of our students, families and alumni have enjoyed coming to Eugene to attend the Mother’s Day Powwow.”
The UO Native American Student Union, led by five student codirectors, organizes, promotes and hosts the event each year.
“Powwow is important to me as an Indigenous person because I can express my spirit and dance for my ancestors and those who can no longer dance,” said Keyen Singer (Keke), the community relations codirector for NASU and the 2023-24 Miss Indigenous UO. As part of her role as Miss Indigenous UO, Singer represents the Mother’s Day Powwow as a UO cultural royalty ambassador.
Members of the UO and the broader community are invited to attend this annual celebration.
“I hope when students, professors, faculty and visitors come to our powwow they feel the love and resilience we hold in our dancing, singing and regalia,” Singer said.
The powwow is free and open to the public. Activities start at 7 p.m. Friday night in McArthur Court and run through the Sunday afternoon salmon bake at the Many Nations Longhouse. For a complete schedule and more information, visit the Native American Student Union Instagram page.
—By Bjorn Johansen, University Communications