For the past 17 years, Native Americans across the region have trekked to UT-Arlington to celebrate a powerful connection to tradition in a social, personal and spiritual meeting: the pow wow.

On Saturday, February 23 in the Bluebonnet Room at UT-Arlington, the Native American Student Association (NASA) will welcome students, faculty members and Arlington residents its 18^th Annual Benefit Pow Wow.

"People who've never been around American Indian culture get to see a smorgasbord, a whole range of cultures, because the dances at a pow wow are styles that come from all over North America,' said Robert Caldwell, president of Native American Student Association. "It is about an open culture that allows people to embrace and learn.'

Visitors can immerse themselves in Native American culture while experiencing the foods, music, dance, storytelling and other traditions that are part of this popular family event. There will be several contests, including one for the prettiest shawl, the best two-stepper and the top hand drummer.

Vendors are expected to serve Native American style tacos and fry bread, while craftsmen display traditional woodcarvings, necklaces, paintings and natural health and beauty products.

Ken Roemer, professor of English and the longest-serving NASA advisor, said the pow wow is an excellent way to eliminate stereotypes about Native American culture.

"I try to imagine myself as someone who knows nothing about Indian culture coming into a pow wow.' The first learning experience is to look at people who play the music and the dancing, and say "Wow there a lot of difference here in terms of what they're wearing, what they look like.' This is a big stereotype breaker.'

For the first time in the event's 17-year history at the university, the Native American Alumni Alliance will sponsor the "We Will Be Idle No More' juried art & multimedia competition. Artwork will explore ideas or address Idle No More, an ongoing protest movement originating among the Aboriginal people in Canada-the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people.

"This is the largest movement of indigenous people in North America,' explained said Caldwell. "People will be doing art with themes showing indigenous pride and Idle No More themes, specifically sovereignty, protection of the land, air and water. Having this component is really exciting.' There is a $300 juried prize and $200 prize for audience favorite.

Events include opening prayers, gourd dancing and the Grand Entry processional. Gourd dancers, dressed in sashes and beads, will open the pow wow by performing a meditative dance.

"Our emcee Albert Old Crow does an excellent job of telling people what they can and cannot do,' said Les Riding In, NASA Advisor. "If an upcoming event is perceived as being sacred, Albert will let the audience know. There will be no guessing as to what the audience can or cannot do.'

Over the years NASA has done a solid job of engaging the community, Native American and non-Native American, to create a sustainable event that attracts people from across the region

This free event is co-sponsored by UTA Multicultural Affairs, Student Congress and the Honors College.

For more information, follow the event's Facebook page.