Minot State to host 36th annual Spring Honor Dance & Powwow Celebration Week

MINOT, N.D. - Minot State University will welcome the community to campus for the 36th Annual Spring Honor Dance & Powwow Celebration Week, April 24-25 at the Minot State Dome.

Hosted by the Native American Cultural Center and Native American Cultural Awareness Club, the event is free and open to the public.

The annual powwow is one of Minot State's most vibrant cultural traditions, bringing together dancers, drummers, artists, and spectators from across the region to celebrate Native American heritage through song, dance, and community.

Activities begin Friday, April 24, with an educational program led by Kennedy Bruce (Porcupine Woman) from noon to 2 p.m. at the MSU Dome. The session will focus on cultural teachings and is open to the public. Registration opens at 4 p.m., followed by Grand Entry at 7 p.m.

Saturday's schedule begins with registration at 10 a.m., closing at 12:30 p.m. Grand Entry will take place at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. The evening will also feature an Honor Parade recognizing Minot State's graduating Class of 2026, followed by an on-site raffle drawing.

Charlie Moran will serve as master of ceremonies, with Wade Baker as arena director.

Powwow competition categories will include men's (Traditional, Grass, Fancy, Chicken) and women's (Traditional, Fancy, Jingle) dance styles, along with Golden Age, adult, teen, junior, and tiny tot divisions. Prize money will be awarded across multiple age groups, with drum groups eligible for a drum split.

The Native American Cultural Club will sponsor an all-age Hand Game tournament on Friday and Saturday. Often referred to as stick games, hand games are rooted in generations of cultural practice, combining skill, strategy, music, and community connection. Beyond competition, hand games carry deep cultural significance. They serve as a way to strengthen community bonds, pass down traditions, and engage younger generations in cultural learning. The games often incorporate storytelling elements and, in some traditions, hold spiritual meaning. More information on the Hand Game tournament is available on the Native American Cultural Center's website.

In addition to the tournament, families are invited to attend a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on the second floor of the Minot State Dome, hosted by the CIRCLES Alliance. The event is designed to provide interactive, educational activities that encourage curiosity and hands-on learning for participants of all ages. There will be food, games, and a variety of hands-on activities for all ages. For more information on the STEAM event, contact Dan Conn, chair of Education and Inclusive Services, by email or by phone at 701-858-3267.

The weekend will also feature vendors and opportunities for community engagement. Vendor registration is available via QR code on the attached event poster.

The Spring Honor Dance & Powwow Celebration reflects Minot State's ongoing commitment to cultural awareness, inclusion, and community connection, offering an opportunity for education and celebration for all who attend.

Primitive camping will be available north of the MSU Dome, and information about hotel accommodations is available on the Native American Cultural Center accommodations website. For more information, contact the Native American Cultural Center by email or call 701-858-3365 or 800-777-0750, ext. 3365.