CCC hosts first annual youth powwow

April 8, 2011

Tristen Tucker and Blue River Haase, both of Bartlesville, Okla. compare their candy after a give-away during the “Rally in the Valley” powwow at CCC.

Coffeyville Community College (CCC) hosted its first youth competition scholarship powwow on April 2.  Over 150 people attended the Rally in the Valley Youth Competition and Intertribal Powwow held in the Nellis Gym on the main campus. The event drew 29 young dancers including 12 tiny tots as well as adults who competed later in the evening.  A stickball demonstration and culturally diverse food samples were provided by the Field Kindley High School Multicultural Club.  The Club was created as part of the Learn and Serve Grant.

The youth grand entry began at 2 p.m. with Kit Bird serving as Head Boy and Skye Scimeca of Caney, Kan. as Head Girl, both of Caney, Kan. Students competed for cash prizes and CCC Native American Leadership scholarship opportunities. A hand drum competition during the dinner break drew rave reviews from the audience. The Lenape Gourd Society was the Head Gourd Clan and the Cherokee Color Guard also participated.  The adult competition Grand Entry was held at 8:00 pm with Reverend Mike Pahsetopah as Head Man and Mary Jo Pratt-Longhorn as Head Lady.

“This was a relaxed environment for students to learn as well as compete,” said CCC Native American Leadership Association director, Taylor Davis. “The Native American Leadership program would like to thank all those who came to participate and all those who helped sponsor the powwow.”

For more information about the CCC Native American Leadership Association and available scholarships call 620-251-7700, 1-877-51-RAVEN, or e-mail.