Southern Miss Powwow Returns to USM Hattiesburg Campus Oct. 8

Tue, 09/27/2022 - 12:00pm | By: David Tisdale

An annual tradition will be renewed on The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Hattiesburg campus when the Southern Miss Powwow returns Saturday, Oct. 8 at Spirit Park. This event, which celebrates the culture and traditions of Native peoples, is free and open to the public.

Jenna Dittman, a USM graduate student in anthropology and secretary for the Golden Eagle Intertribal Society (GEIS), is assisting USM Professor of Psychology Dr. Tammy Greer, advisor and director for the Golden Eagle Intertribal Society, in organizing the event.

“Mississippi has been home to numerous Native American tribes, including Choctaws, Chickasaws, Natchez, Creeks, Houmas and others,” said Dittman.” We want to share our traditions with everyone through this festival-like event.”

The day’s activities will begin with Gourd Dancing at 11 a.m. and Grand Entry at 2 p.m. Among other activities to follow, the powwow will honor several of its supporters and participants who have passed, including long-time emcee Harold Comby; the first recipient of the Tradition Keepers Award, Pearlie Thomas; and two of its Head Men, Ryan Bell, and Matthew Santella. The event’s closing song is set for 6 p.m.

“We will miss them tremendously and honor them as we gather,” Dr. Greer said. “We hope to see everyone in the circle.”

Organizers of the Southern Miss Powwow welcome sponsorships for the event from local businesses and organizations. For information on sponsorships, text Kaliq Sims at 769.390.2007; or contact Dittman or Dr. Greer at jenna.dittmanFREEMississippi or tammy.greerFREEMississippi.