Pitt will host its first Indigenous Cultural Festival later this month, which will include a mini Pow Wow on Schenley Plaza.
The Sept. 21 Pow Wow, co-hosted by Pitt and the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center, will start at 10 a.m. with opening remarks from Mark Tayac, the 29th generation chief of the Piscataway Indian Nation, followed by the traditional Grand Entry dance. Intertribal and social dancing will continue until 1 p.m. The afternoon session begins with a vibrant march from the Carnegie Museum to Schenley Plaza where the Intertribal and social dancing continues until 6 p.m. when closing remarks will be made by tribal elders.
The event also will include vendors selling indigenous goods and groups providing information about the indigenous community in the southwest Pennsylvania. Pitt schools, departments and others are invited to host tables at the Pow Wow. Fill out this form if you are interested in tabling.
Other events during the week:
Object Lesson: Inuit Sculpture: The University Art Gallery kicks off a new series with an in-depth look at the Inuit sculptures in the collection. Participants will learn about the history of these objects and discuss the issues around the ownership and display of indigenous art work in museum collection. 12:15-1 p.m. Sept. 20, Frick Fine Arts Building. Register for Object Lesson (registration is capped at 25 attendees)
Turning Points 4: Carving Space for Indigenous Museum Practices: Featuring Michelle LaVallee, director of Indigenous Ways and Decolonization, National Gallery of Canada and heather ahtone, director of curatorial affairs, First Americans Museum. This Turning Points will focus on indigenous frameworks for rebuilding museums. 4-6 p.m. Sept. 22, online conversation. Register for Turning Points 4.
An exhibit at Pitt’s Global Hub in Posvar Hall throughout the week will highlight Indigenous history and knowledge. A display on the ground floor of Hillman Library includes books, multimedia resources, and special archives related to Indigenous narratives and culture.
All of these events lead up to the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center’s 43rd annual Pow Wow, which will take place Sept. 24 and 25 at the center’s Singing Winds Food Pantry, 120 Charles St., Dorseyville, Indiana Township.
The event will include information on Native American heritage, competitive dancing and drumming, Native American cuisine and arts and crafts.
Pitt will provide free transportation for students from campus to the 43rd annual Pow Wow.
— Susan Jones
Have a story idea or news to share? Share it with the University Times.