History: 50th Anniversary Spring Powwow Celebration

50th Anniversary Spring Powwow

May 16-17, 2025

Commemorating our 50th Anniversary Spring Powwow in 2025!

We’re excited to have you join us in celebrating the 50th Anniversary Powwow at Eastern Oregon University! This event is a collaborative effort between the Native American Program and the Speel-Ya Native American Student Council at EOU. Admission is free and open to the public, and we welcome all to enjoy this family-friendly, substance-free event. Please be aware that EOU is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the dignitaries and drum groups who honored us with their songs and heartbeat during the 50th Anniversary Powwow at Eastern Oregon University. Your presence, voices, and commitment to tradition helped make this celebration truly powerful and unforgettable. Thank you for carrying the songs of our ancestors forward and for helping us celebrate 50 years of community, culture, and resilience. Your contributions uplifted our dancers, elders, youth, and all who gathered. We are humbled and grateful for your support.

2025 Dignitaries

Host Drum: Black Lodge Singers

Master Of Ceremonies: Fred Hill

Arena Director: WhyaTona Burns

Judge Coordinator: Gabriel Jones

Whipman: Alan Crawford

Whipwoman: Judy Farrow

Specials

One Person Hand Drum Competition
Jackie Grant Memorial Women’s Traditional – Sponsored by the Grant Family
Alumni Tribute – Sponsored by EOU alumna Kathryn Burke
Women’s Short Fringe
Men’s Slick Style
Men’s Traditional – Sponsored by Fred Hill & WhyaTona Burns

Drum Groups

Black Lodge Singers – Host Drum
North Hill
Big River
Rocky Ridge
Cayuse Boyz
Umatilla Intertribal
Nez Perce Nation

2025 Sponsors

The EOU Speel-Ya Native American Student Council and Native American Program sincerely appreciate the generous support from individuals, organizations, and businesses over the years. Your contributions have been essential to the success of our events. A special thank you to all who continue to support and uplift our community, your generosity makes a lasting impact!

EAGLE SPONSORS $5000

Ford Family Foundation

SALMON SPONSORS $2500+

Legacy Ford of La Grande

Legacy of Pendleton

Union County Chamber of Commerce

BUFFALO SPONSORS $1000+

The Roundhouse Foundation

EOU – College of Education, Oregon Teacher Pathway & Culturally Responsive Practices

EOU Foundation

EOU Vending Committee

ASEOU Senate Allocations Committee

2024-25 Student Fees

ELK SPONSORS $500+

Grande Ronde Hospital

BEAR SPONSORS

Press Room Coffee & Books

La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant & Lounge

Tequila’s Family Mexican Restaurant

Benchwarmer’s Pub & Grill

Mom’Ma Bear’s Burgers

The Mountain Works

Reed & Associates

Ben’s Archery

Legacy Power Sports & RV

Club 24

Jennifer A Moore Licensed Acupuncturist

Bogart’s Hair Studio

Elkhorn Media Group

Mountain Valley Fitness & Health

Vendor Information

We offer our heartfelt thanks to all the vendors who joined us for the 50th Anniversary Powwow at Eastern Oregon University. Your presence brought color, creativity, and community to our celebration. From beautiful beadwork and handmade art to delicious food and meaningful conversations, you helped make this event vibrant and welcoming for all who attended. We appreciate your commitment to sharing culture, supporting Native artists and entrepreneurs, and helping us celebrate 50 years of tradition, resilience, and connection. Thank you for being a vital part of this historic gathering.

Makpiya Ska creations

Waterlilly Botanicals LLC

Ashiihi Jewelry

Beaded Images

Old Meacham Creek Designs

JUST 2 DEADLY

C. Nava aká k’emeyí