BOISE, Idaho — What started as a small powwow at Boise State University has grown and is now hosted in one of Boise’s well-known arenas.
"It has evolved from a small little ballroom — now being hosted in the extra mile arena," Student Powwow Director, Marco Ovando said. "A small group of students came together to create something as massive as Seven Arrows.”
Seven Arrows Powwow celebrated its 30th-anniversary last weekend, hosting it over the course of two days.
“Powwows are indigenous ceremonial dance; there are various dance styles," Seven Arrow’s Co-chair Veronica Yellowhair said. "For example, there is grass dancing from the great plains.”
Ovando said the powwow was originally started to create a sense of family for Native American students at BSU.
"There is no local indigenous community in the immediate vicinity; so we wanted to bring that to us, because, for us to succeed we recognize that we have to be amongst community,” said Marco.
The powwow was open to anyone in the community. Ovando said having the powwow in Boise shares the history of Idaho’s Native American Culture.
"Back in the late 1800's there were several treaties established, one was the treaty of Boise Valley. In that treaty, it says any Native American within 30 miles of the Boise River, from Table Rock to Eagle Island, were to vacate those areas. However, the treaty was never ratified by Congress, but the people that came here acted like it was ratified and pushed them out,” Ovando said.
Since then, Boise has served as a meeting place for Idaho’s five tribes.
"Historically Boise has always been a rendezvous point for many tribes to come together to share culture, trade, hunt and celebrate each other,” Ovando said.
Native American businesses were also an important part of the evening,
"I just feel that it is really helping our indigenous small businesses get to the next level that they want,” Yellowhair said.
This year, over 3,500 guests attended the event, but organizers said they hope even more people can enjoy this tradition in the future.
"We highly encourage everyone to show up and experience what we have to offer. At the end of the day, it's all about community,” Yellowhair said.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
Download the KTVB mobile app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.