Powwows are a ceremony involving feasting, singing, and dancing to the Native culture. The Blackfoot School District #55 hosts the largest student-led powwow in the state. When you go to a powwow, you can dance and watch dances, sell or buy from authentic vendors, play traditional games, and have fun being in the moment. The Indigenous club hosts these powwows, and this year, two people who have had a big impact are leaving to pursue different things.
JennaVecia Stagner (11th) is the Vice President of the Indigenous club, and her favorite thing to do at powwows is making memories with her friends. While at powwows, she likes to see the community come together to be reminded that everyone is connected and that we should treat everyone kindly. At the powwow that took place on the 2nd and 3rd of May, Stagner, along with others, participated in the Honor Round Dance songs for Blackfoot School District employees Michelle Hernandez and Joy Lyne Mickelsen.
Mickelsen has been the Indian Education Director and grant writer for ten years now, and she says “It has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in 35 years of education.” She loves helping support the future leaders, and seeing students work together and problem solve. She says that she has a lot of mixed emotions about leaving Blackfoot School District, however, she states, “I am excited to start new hobbies and finish old projects.” While receiving the dance and song from the students, she said she felt very honored and it made her cry.
Kendra Benally stated, “I just like to watch the Native students learn to become leaders and realize they do have a voice and what they think and say matters.” Benally has been an Indigenous club advisor for one year, and before that she was the advisor for the Fort Hall Youth Council for eleven years. She has been around powwows her entire life, and she said that it is enjoyable to watch the younger generations carry on traditions.
Powwows really bring the community together. They help people make memories and learn some hard, yet beneficial lessons. The representation and the dedication of putting together powwows is inspirational, according to many. The students sang and danced for Michelle Hernandez and Joy Lyne Mickelsen to show appreciation for many years of dedication throughout the community.
“Life goes by so quickly, love the journey and learn from the process,” Mickelsen said.
