U of U Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement

We’re excited to welcome you to the Threading Our Legacies Pow Wow. Before you arrive, here are a few helpful reminders to help your day go smoothly:

✨ Grand Entries at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
✨ Registration for dance and singing competitions will open at 10:00 a.m.
✨ Please plan ahead for parking and allow extra time to get to the event
✨ Be prepared for bag checks and stroller or wagon check-in
✨ Food will be available for purchase, including Native cuisine from Rezzy’s Food Truck

We look forward to seeing you there.

Congratulations to Sienna Riggs, our 2026-2027 American Indian Ambassador!

We are grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s selection event so meaningful. Thank you to all of our amazing and talented students, selection committee members Elizabeth Kronk Warner, Kassie John, and Jenna Murray, as well as the Echoing Spirit Dancers, Royalty, Lane Neaman, and Elder-in-Residence Joy Grant for your support, presence, and contributions to this special event.

We look forward to all that Sienna will bring to this role in the year ahead.

Photo credit: Ute Bulletin

Attending Saturday’s Pow Wow? Check out our special dance categories!

Inter-Tribal Student Association: Mother-Daughter Special (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place)
Head Lady: Hoop Dance Special (ages 15 and under / ages 16+)
Head Man: Chicken Dance Special (ages 16+)

For more info: visit our Pow Wow webpage https://nativeexcellence.utah.edu/pow-wow.php

We hope you will join us at the upcoming American Indian Ambassador Selection Event as we honor Kayden’s contributions and welcome the new ambassador for 2026–2027 academic year.

📅 Monday, March 16, 2026
⏰ 5:00-7:00 PM
📍A. Ray Olpin Student Union, Panorama East (4th Floor), 200 S Central Campus Drive, SLC

Join us for a special Career Connections keynote lunch featuring Janessa Parker, author of I Am the Sun. This event is held in partnership with the Utah NAME (National Association for Multicultural Education) Conference.

📅 Friday, March 20, 2026 @ 12:00 PM
📍University Guest House, 110 Fort Douglas Blvd, SLC

RSVP is required to add you to our guest list for lunch: https://utahsa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_egi16goH1OJHxN

We're counting down to our 54th Annual University of Utah Pow Wow!

📅 March 21, 2026
🏟️ Grand Entries: 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM (Free Admission)

Head Staff
Master of Ceremonies: Bart Powaukee
Arena Director: Philip Manning
Host Drum: Motown Singers
Head Lady Dancer: Kayden Denny
Head Man Dancer: Caleb Lameman

Specials
Head Lady: Hoop Dance Special (Winner Take All)
Head Man: Chicken Dance Special (16+)
ITSA: Mother & Daughter Special (1st–2nd–3rd)

For more info: visit our Pow Wow webpage https://nativeexcellence.utah.edu/pow-wow.php

Join us as we select the next American Indian Ambassador. This role helps uplift Indigenous student voices, strengthen connections across campus, and promote leadership, cultural awareness, and student engagement in higher education. We invite everyone to come support our students and be part of this special event.

📅 Monday, March 16, 2026, from 5-7 PM
📍 A. Ray Olpin Student Union, Panorama East (4th Floor)
📧 For more information, please email [email protected]

We were so honored to attend the American Indian Services Annual Scholarship Gala. We deeply value our partnership with AIS and are grateful for the scholarship opportunities they make possible for University of Utah students. It is always a joy to see our students at this event and to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.

February was full of meaningful moments, community, and connection. Sharing a few highlights from the month and the people, places, and events that made it special. ✨

Today we had the opportunity to visit NAT-SU Healthcare in Tooele, Utah. Established in 2018, NAT-SU Healthcare is proudly owned and operated by the Skull Valley Band of Goshutes.

During the visit, we learned more about the clinic’s holistic approach to care, serving individuals from all backgrounds and supporting wellness across mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. This work plays an important role in expanding access to care and supporting the overall well-being of the community.

We are grateful to the NAT-SU Healthcare team for their hospitality and for sharing more about their impact and vision. We also appreciated the opportunity to discuss future partnership and collaboration around tribal and rural outreach and engagement.

Thank you for the warm welcome and for the important work you do to serve the community.