Cline Library honors powwow history at new exhibit

Powwow
Powwow
Participants in the 1961 All-Indian Pow-Wow parade through the streets of downtown Flagstaff. Photo courtesy NAU Cline Library Special Collections

Flagstaff’s annual Native American powwow drew hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators to town between 1929 and 1979. The stories behind this cultural exchange are being told through a new exhibit at NAU’s Cline Library, “Flagstaff All-Indian Pow-Wow,” as part of November’s American Indian Heritage Month.

The free exhibit kicks off with an open house from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Special Collections and Archives section on the second floor of Cline Library.

The collection offers a glimpse into the powwow’s history, including the mix of tribes represented, the business of organizing and promoting the event, social aspects, personal histories of dancers, cowboys, artists, and tourists, and the economic impact the event had on the community.

Explore the visual history and learn more about this compelling cultural event by stopping by the exhibit, which will be on display through July. Or take a look at the virtual version online.

For information, contact Karen Underhill, (928) 523-6502.