About
Powwow, as practiced today, is a social gathering intended to provide the campus and local community a space to learn about, engage with, and celebrate the traditions and cultures of Indigenous peoples, and bring visibility to the vibrancy of Native American music, dance, and arts. Held in 1969, the first UC Davis Powwow was hosted in conjunction with the creation of the Native American Studies Department and has since been the culminating event for the Native American Culture Days events and programs. The UC Davis Powwow is student-run and student-planned, standing as one of the longest running student powwows in California.
Those who serve on the UC Davis Powwow Committee are able to maintain their roots and build a stronger connection to their Indigenous identities, while navigating a Western educational institution. The annual event has gained national recognition for hosting vendors, dancers, judges, head staff, drum groups, and attendees from both California and all throughout Indian Country. The UC Davis Powwow also benefits the campus community by promoting cross-cultural communication and alliances and supporting both the recruitment and retention of Native American students at UC Davis. Altogether, everything put into preparing and holding the annual UC Davis Powwow affords the opportunity for the campus and local Native community to build connections to address the social, cultural, historical and political issues facing Indigenous people today. All are welcome to join us at the Annual UC Davis Powwow.
The Inaugural Big Time will be on Friday April 3rd, 2026 at the University Credit Union Center
The 50th Annual Powwow will be on Saturday April 4th, 2026, at the University Credit Union Center
COVID-19 PROTOCOL : Help Keep Our Powwow Community Healthy!
- Respiratory viruses (including COVID-19, flu and RSV) spread year round.
- Viruses can pass though coughs, sneezes and by touching contaminated surfaces.
- Some people can get seriously ill; please be considerate of those at higher risk
- Masks will be provided for anyone who wishes to wear one for extra protection.
- If you feel sick (fever chills, cough, runny nose, headache or fatigue), stay home and avoid close contact with others.
By taking these steps, we can all do our part to keep our campus and community healthy!
For more COVID-19 information go to the Campus Ready Website
Questions?
Please feel free to contact Monica Aceves Robles at [email protected].