On May 8, DU held its 6th annual New Beginnings Pow Wow on Driscoll Green from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The theme of this year’s event, in accordance with its date, was a Mother’s Day special.

The event focused on traditional dances performed by dancers from various tribes accompanied by music from traditional drum groups. Performances included a gourd dance and dance honoring mothers. There was a contest for top dancers in the junior, teen and adult categories. Along with dancing and music, vendors sold various Native American jewelry, crafts and foods.

The pow wow is based on the Native American tradition of the same name in which people join together for singing, dancing and making new friends. The event focuses on these core concepts, along with that of honoring and bringing awareness to Native American culture.

“We aim to establish the Native American culture within DU, as well as

give the community the chance to learn about our culture. We want Native American students and community members to feel appreciated,” said Justine Medina, 1st year graduate student and treasurer of the Native Student Alliance, who was deeply involved in planning the event.

Although rain ended up driving the event indoors, turnout was still tremendous, with about 130 dancers and seven drum groups in attendance, along with countless community members.

Sponsors for the event included Student Life, the Center for Multicultural Excellence, the Department of Anthropology, the Museum of Anthropology, the Center for Judaic Studies, the Graduate School of Social Work, the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, the Office of the Chancellor, the Native Student Alliance, Multicultural Social Justice and DU Programming Board.