Modesto Junior College will host the 16th annual Intertribal Pow Wow on Sunday, April 20 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on MJC’s East Campus Quad, located at 435 College Avenue in Modesto. The Pow Wow brings together and shares the culture and traditions of Native American people with the community and campus. The event is open to the public and admission is free. (In the event of rain the Pow Wow will be held in the pavilion of the Agriculture Center for Education on West Campus.)

Pow Wow activities begin with gourd dancing at 11:30 a.m., followed by the grand entry at 12 noon, featuring the traditional opening ceremony and honor guard. The program includes traditional Native American singers and dancers accompanied by drum groups and will honor veterans for sacrifices given to their country.

Authentic Native American arts, crafts, jewelry, painting, beadwork, t-shirts and other items from the diverse tribal nations will be offered for sale during the Pow Wow. Native American food will also be available for purchase, including Indian fry bread and Indian tacos.

The MJC club Red Nations and Friends is currently conducting a drive to gather shoes and socks for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, one of the poorest communities in the United States. Canupa Gluha Mani, from the Lakota Sioux of Pine Ridge and Strong Heart Warrior Society, will be at this year’s Pow Wow to pick up the donations and speak about the living conditions on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Donations of new and gently used shoes, socks and warm clothing can be deposited in barrels at multiple campus locations through April 17.

The Pow Wow, is an alcohol and drug free event sponsored by Red Nations and Friends, and the Associated Students of MJC, and co-sponsored by the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wok Indians and the Black Oak Casino and Resort.