The American Indian Student Association hosted its 40th annual powwow this past weekend, May 3-4, 2025. It was a beautiful event planned by Tatiana Crow (Cheyenne and Arapaho) and Coral Bradley (Payahüünadü Paiute and Kitanemuk from Fort Tejon Reservation). Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike from across the country gathered in Wallis Annenberg Stadium to take part in the ceremony as observers, dancers, drummers, singers, and more. Attendees purchased beaded earrings and ribbon skirts with such intricate designs of turtles and birds among other animals. The main festivity came when attendees were able to dine on some hot and greasy fry bread coated in powder sugar with a sweet honey drizzle; Indian tacos loaded with beans, shredded cheese, tomato, lettuce, and salsa; heavy burritos; and gargantuan potatoes fried and stretched across a long skewer with different seasonings on top. Food makes or breaks an event, and this year’s vendors did not disappoint.

Now, while I would love to share more of the powwow with you all, it would be wrong of me to share more photos without the proper descriptions. It is important that La Gente accurately present the staff, dances, and customs of the powwow. Please enjoy this glimpse into the events of this year’s powwow and stay tuned for a full-length article by La Gente writer Andrea Hernández.