Inaugural Intertribal Powwow Events 

“Indigenous Aid to Ireland During the Great Hunger” Exhibit Opening and Symposium

Tuesday, March 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Arnold Bernhard Library

The exhibition explores the remarkable generosity of the Choctaws and Cherokees, who themselves had endured forced displacement only years earlier, as well as the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat Indigenous Peoples in Canada West, whose donations came at a time of increasing settler encroachment and broken treaties. This event offers a rare opportunity to reflect on a profound moment of historical solidarity and generosity between Indigenous communities and the Irish people, ensuring that these acts of kindness continue to be honored and remembered.

The exhibition includes:

• Original government reports outlining treaty agreements from the 1830s

• Historic maps of Ireland and the Trail of Tears

• A sculpture honoring the Choctaw gift

• Artwork by Philip Cote

• A Wampum Belt, presented by the Haudenosaunee Nationals (formerly Iroquois Nationals) to Ireland Lacrosse in 2022, symbolizing the ongoing Circle of Giving

“Intertribal Powwow History and Dancing into the Future” Lunch and Learn

Friday, March 28, 1 to 2 p.m., Albert Schweitzer Institute

Please join us to learn about the history of the modern day intertribal powwow and how it showed up in the Northeast. Led by Chris Newell and endawnis Spears from the Akomawt Educational Initiative, this discussion will also consider the role of the powwow in the context of the university and its connections to cultural reclamation and sovereignty. Please bring your lunch, light snacks will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Register now

Akomawt Blanket Exercise

Friday, March 28, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Mount Carmel Quad 

Chris Newell and endawnis Spears from the Akomawt Educational Initiative will lead participants through the U.S. version of the KAIROS Blanket Exercise. The KAIROS Blanket Exercise program is a unique, interactive and participatory history lesson developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators. The Blanket Exercise covers more than 500 years in a 90-minute experiential workshop that aims to foster understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. In the event of rain, the location will be moved to the Center for Religion.

Critical Conversation: “We’re All Part of this Story” with Sarah E. Harris, Vice Chairwoman of the Mohegan Tribe

Monday, April 7, noon to 1 p.m., Mount Carmel Auditorium, CCE 101

Powwow Dancing Workshop

Friday, April 11, 5 to 6 p.m., Recreation and Wellness Center, RWA 256

Join us for an educational workshop led by Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon, an eastern blanket dancer, that will bring together the arts, cultural awareness and history of powwow dancing. Dinner will be provided, and there will also be an opportunity to win Indigenous-made jewelry and other prizes.

Quinnipiac’s Inaugural Powwow: “Dancing in the Shadow of Sleeping Giant” 

Sunday, April 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mount Carmel Quad

Join us for the inaugural intertribal gathering at Quinnipiac featuring traditional performances, social dances, presentations, food and more. Over 15 Indigenous vendors will have jewelry, artwork and crafts available to purchase. 

“Exploring Possibilities: Can Powwows Transform and Unsettle Higher Ed?” Lunch and Learn

Friday, April 25, 1 to 2 p.m., Albert Schweitzer Institute

Join us for a thoughtful dialogue and reflection on how the powwow fits within broader efforts to reimagine higher education through Indigenous epistemologies led by endawnis Spears from the Akomawt Educational Initiative. Please bring your lunch, light snacks will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Register now