Skip to main content Skip to secondary navigation

Establishing the Stanford Powwow

Main content start

1971

The Stanford Daily: The First Stanford Powwow (1971)
  • The Stanford American Indian Organization hosts the First Stanford Powwow to offset the negative image of the Indian mascot and to bring a diverse Native American presence to the campus.  The Powwow brings Native American dancers, singers and artists from all over the United States and Canada to the Stanford campus—and with it, a rare opportunity for Native and non-Natives to experience a wide variety of indigenous cultures.

1976

  • A shade canopy system using 9 World War II surplus parachutes is designed for the Stanford Powwow by Alan Strain, a long-time friend of the Native American community.  The parachute canopy continues to be used until the mid-1980s.  The Powwow is held will continue to be held annually on the Intermural Soccer Field next to the Stadium.

1977

  • SAIO works together with students from the UC Berkeley, community members from San Jose Indian Center, and others to produce the Stanford Powwow as a Bay Area wide effort.

1986

  • Past Stanford Powwow posters are collected and framed to give the Native American Cultural Center a sense of history and family!

1993

  • “In the Spirit of Giving: A Gathering of Cultures”, a special fundraising event for the Native American Cultural Center emergency student fund, is held at the Stanford Shopping Center and features Native performers, authors, storytellers, and a silent auction of art works.  The silent auction fundraiser is continued in the future at the Powwow.

1994

  • The Stanford Powwow gets rained on—and again in 1995!

1997

  • Powwow moves to Eucalyptus Grove near the corner of Galvez and Campus Drives.  The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe continues to bless the “Powwow Grounds” each year to assure a successful event for our students and all who attend.