Tradition of the powwow

Under a cloudless blue sky, Native American dancers donned vibrant, colorful traditional costumes for the 17th annual Harvard Powwow. Sponsored by the Harvard University Native American Program, the annual celebration brought together Native American singers, dancers, and drummers at the Radcliffe Yard.

“Harvard has a very special connection to Native Americans, dating back to its original charter of 1650, which included educating local native children through Harvard Indian College,” said Cesar Alvarez ’13, the incoming president of  Native Americans at Harvard College (NAHC). “The Harvard Powwow … is a great way to bring local tribes into the Harvard community, acknowledging the ancestral homelands, and show our heritage.

“There’s no better way to showcase that connection than to have this celebration right here at the heart of campus, right at the gateways of admissions,” Alvarez said, gesturing toward the surrounding buildings. “It’s a great way to show that no matter where you come from, you are welcome here.”