About Us

History

The Powwow was started in 1972 by a community group, American Indians at the University of Michigan (AIUM), at that time primarily a staff, faculty and graduate student group. The Native American Student Association (NASA) which primarily was an undergraduate group was formed in 1976, at which time they began helping out with the Powwow as well. Traditionally, every year NASA would evolve into a group whose emphasis was planning the powwow. This group consisted of community members and students (undergraduate and graduate students alike) who work year-round on making Powwow a success by fundraising and publicizing for the up-coming year. Each year, the Powwow grew to be bigger and better and it was then that the Powwow was brought under U of M's financial umbrella which was in 1982.

The Powwow has had a number of locations, including: Huron High School, the League, the Union, Ypsilanti's Cleary College, the Coliseum and Pioneer High School. In 1990, it moved to Crisler Arena, where it immediately doubled in size and where it remained until 2008.

In 2008, the powwow committee made the decision to turn down direct funding from the University of Michigan. This year, the powwow is being held at Saline Middle School in Saline, Michigan, just south of Ann Arbor. There is no reduction in the size of the powwow with this move. This fieldhouse-type facility has more room for vendors, is handicap accessible and has adequate, free parking for visitors and participants.

The Powwow Committee has been privileged to work with many coordinators since its beginning. These coordinators have helped the Powwow's attendance increase dramatically, strengthened the Powwow's ties to the local community, expanded the educational aspect of its mission and aided the committee in many ways.