Native American Culture Days, beginning with a sunrise ceremony on Monday (April 6), offers a week of activities including for the first time the Indigenous Arts Market, an all-day event with vendords and entertainment April 10 on the Quad.

The celebration of Native American culture will culimate with the annual Powwow on Saturday, April 11. This year’s theme is “Gathering the Roots of Tradition: Weaving a Dream for the Future.”

Among the week’s activities are programs exploring the cultural significance of “dream catchers,” historical connections in contemporary Navajo poetry, mask making in Mexico and hip-hop therapy. Hands-on workshops on rattle and jewelry making are offered as well. A sunset ceremony is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, on the Quad.

The Indigenous Arts Market, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will include vendors (beadwork, leather goods, drums, weavings and other items) and a full afternoon of musicians and other performers, including Sicangu Lakota hip-hop artist Frank Waln and hoop dancer Samsoche Sampson.

The powwow, started in 1969, takes place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the Quad. The first UC Davis Powwow was held in conjunction with the creation of the Native American Studies Department. Powwow celebrates the traditions and contributions of Indigenous people and cultures.

“Adding the Indigenous Arts Market was a way to generate more interest in culture days,” said Crystal Marich, a program coordinator at the Cross Cultural Center, which puts on culture days and the powwow.

She noted that the powwow this year coincides for the first time with Decision UC Davis, a day when the university hosts admitted students and their families and friends — and this is expected to raise the powwow’s profile.

“This is an event we should be very proud of,” she said.

NACD and Powwow are funded by ASUCD, Office of Campus Community Relations, Student Affairs, and partnerships with campus and community organizations. The planning committee comprises student leaders of the Native American Student Union, American Indian Recruitment and Retention, and Cross Cultural Center, and is facilitated by NACD and Powwow student coordinators.

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