This past Saturday, the Native Indigenous Students Association (NISA) put on Villanova’s First Annual Powwow for students and community members. A celebration of Indigenous culture, the Powwow showcased many native vendors and performers.
From Philly to Mexico, students of all backgrounds gathered in Café Nova to honor the rich and diverse traditions of Indigenous tribes across the globe. Autumn Coard, co-President of NISA and a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, was proud to put on such a welcoming event.
“Watching the Villanova community participating in the powwow, joining hands and having fun was surreal to watch and it is beyond rewarding to bring a piece of home to Villanova,” Coard said.
Co-President of NISA, Meg Martin and member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, and Vice President of NISA, Modonna Kongal, a member of the Arawak Tribe of Guyana were also instrumental in putting the event together. The three were moved by the amount of support from new people on campus, with Native students expressing to the e-board how emotional it was to feel seen on Villanova’s campus.
“It was an indescribable feeling to consider that we played a part in making someone feel a new sense of belonging,” Coard said. “We had seven amazing sponsors who made the whole thing possible and were overwhelmed by the support on campus and people willing to contribute.”
The Powwow hosted many traditional dancers, including Adniel Avendano from the Zapotec tribe in southern Mexico. He and his group shared traditional dances of the region that honor pre-Hispanic and Zapotec traditions. Avendano is also the founder of Nocheztli, a clothing brand highlighting Indigenous art from Mexico and Central America using screen-painting techniques.
Circling Café Nova were vendors selling Indigenous art and jewelry. Mia Arts shared her stunning vibrant earrings, and Madison Waters showed her dynamic beadwork designs. Both located in Philadelphia, members of the Villanova community can purchase their artistry throughout the year.
Coard reflected on the event and the challenge to successfully coordinate Villanova’s First-Annual Powwow.
“The process was a lot to take on and definitely intimidating with the lack of access to other students and adults who know what a powwow is and how it’s supposed to run,” Coard said. “It takes the entire community to make change and we want to invite everyone in.”
NISA encourages Villanovans to learn more about the present colorful community of Native and Indigenous people, and for the administration to prioritize outreach to native students to keep the legacy of NISA alive.
“If this is a testament to anything it’s that Native voices make Villanova better and should be valued for what they add to our community,” Coard said.
To learn more, follow NISA on Instagram, @villanova.nisa.
