Whitman College to Host Second Annual Pášx̣apa Powwow on May 3

Whitman College is honored to host the second annual Pášx̣apa Powwow on Saturday, May 3, in the Sherwood Athletic Center. This vibrant celebration of Native American culture and community will feature dancing, drumming, singing and special competitions, with participation from tribal nations across the Pacific Northwest. The powwow is free and open to the public. 

The Pášx̣apa Powwow—named after the Cayuse word for “Place of the Wild Sunflowers”—celebrates the cultural heritage of the region’s first peoples and honors the homelands of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes. Organized in partnership with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), the event fulfills a key element of the Memorandum of Agreement between the CTUIR and Whitman College and supports outreach efforts, including the Šináata Scholarship and Native student support.

“The Pášx̣apa Powwow is a time of celebration, and it is also culturally significant,” says organizer Jeanine Gordon, Special Assistant to the President for Native American Outreach at Whitman College. “Taking place in the heart of our traditional homelands, we are gathering  in a place that holds deep significance for our Tribal community. For the college, it’s a reflection of our commitment to honoring Native American culture and traditions and supporting Native American students on their educational journeys.”

Participants are invited to register for dance competitions in multiple categories, from Tiny Tots to Golden Age dancers. Online registration is encouraged by Thursday, May 1, to receive competition points.

Check out full event details, registration forms and updates.