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With COVID in decline, LCC steps forward with first pow-wow since 2019

Pow-wow dancer in LCC gymnasium.
Isa Zito
/
Provided by LCC/NASA.
Pow-wow dancer in 2019 event at LCC.

As cases of COVID-19 decline across the U.S. and Oregon, mass gatherings are making a comeback. That includes Lane Community College’s annual pow-wow.

It’ll be the first pow-wow at LCC since April 2019. Lori Tapahanso is the co-advisor for the college’s Native American Student Association (NASA.) She says organizers were crushed when they had to cancel the 2020 and 2021 pow-wows, but felt it was the safe thing to do during the height of the pandemic. Now she says everyone’s ready to dance and drum.

Toddlers at LCC pow-wow.
Isa Zito
/
Photo provided by LCC/NASA.
Tiny pow-wow dancers at LCC.

“It’s a nice way to end the busy winter term but also take a fresh look ahead to spring and summer, and hopefully a return to some normalcy.”

The outdoor event is April 2nd, with grand entry at 1 o’clock. Volunteers are in high demand, and Tapahanso says she’s the point person for those wanting to help out.

Salmon bake outside the LCC Longhouse.
Lori Tapahanso.
/
LCC/NASA
Salmon bake outside the LCC Longhouse.

“Anything from selling t-shirts to helping folks park, to being in a welcome crew for us. We’d love to have community support come out and take care of our vendors and keep the place clean as they day goes on.

Tapahanso says a salmon bake will wrap up the day. She says it’ll be a “wonderful event,” which is part of LCC and NASA’s community building.

And while face masks are now optional across Oregon, organizers encourage them to keep others safe, particularly tribal elders and infants.

Copyright @2022, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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