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HILLSBORO—On Saturday, June 1, the Native Youth Wellness Warrior PowWow comes to the Wingspan Event Center in Hillsboro for the second year in a row. A community meal will be served at 5 pm followed by the grand entry and student honoring for high school graduates at 6 pm. Carlos Calica will emcee and drummers from around the region will participate.
“This is an amazing opportunity to celebrate the graduates and all young students in a traditional way,” says SandeBea Allman, president of the Bow & Arrow Culture Club and chief community engagement and development officer at Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA NW). “We’ll have the presence of our respected Elders, families and friends and witness the honoring ceremony, which includes traditional drums, songs and dances.”
This PowWow is made possible thanks to partners NARA Northwest, Bow & Arrow Culture Club, NAYA Family Center, the City of Hillsboro, City of Beaverton, Northwest Education Service District and its 20 component school districts.
“To plan and prepare, the Bow & Arrow Culture Club shares their knowledge of traditional protocol for the powwow, and the NARA Northwest has great pride in offering sponsorship and support in planning,” Allman explains. “These Graduates are our future and are the role models for the younger generation.”
Jenny Sanchez, American Indian/Alaskan Native facilitator for the Beaverton School District, was excited to join the event’s planning team. “As a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and a Native American employee of Beaverton School District, I felt like it was important to be involved not only as an employee but as a parent, community member and tribal member. Our students overcome obstacles in education and in life, and they are ready to be honored for completing high school and moving on to the next chapter in their journey. That is huge among Indian country.”
This event is open to the public. “It's a way that the community can come together Native or non-Native to get a sense of culture and understanding of how we as Native people celebrate and honor each other,” Sanchez says.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Westside Commons and the Wingspan Event & Conference Center, Hillsboro, OR, United States