Fort Lewis College held its 58th annual Hozhoni Days Powwow in Durango, Colo., March 29-30. This year’s theme “Embracing our Identities” focused not only on where the attendees come from, but also on “inclusion and building a community” as Fort Lewis College President Tom Stritikus beautifully said.  

Autumn Sage, the current Miss Southern Ute, has been attending this powwow for about 10 years with her mother and grandmother. “It’s a great powwow, and everyone should attend,” Sage siad. Sage and many others have watched the powwow grow more with both vendors and attendees into something beautiful. “The vendors used to be in the gym and only one side of the bleachers was out, but now both sides of the bleachers are out – the vendors are in the Student Life Center.”  

Hozhoni Days is one of the powwows that Sage gets to reconnect with her family and friends, while seeing her fellow students participate in their Native culture. 

Hozhoni Days has always been student organized from the very beginning. Clyde Benally, who is referred to as the “Father of Hozhoni Days,” was asked by the college’s Deans to come up with ideas to make Shalako Club more active for the students. Benally then came up with a week-long slate of activities including a multi-day powwow. That powwow was then named Hozhoni Days, and the name “Hozhoni” comes from a roughly translated Diné (Navajo) term for “beauty.” As the years went on, Shalako Club then changed the club’s name to what is now known as Wanbli O’ta back in 1991. Wanbli O’ta means “many eagles” in the Lakota language.  

The students in the Wanbli O’ta club have done a fantastic job bringing the community together to celebrate Native culture by organizing different dance category competitions, drum contests, and inviting local vendors. Vice President of Diversity Affairs, Heather Shotton, along with President Stritikus, are both proud of this club and the students who participate. “Our students are amazing, and it’s student led because our students are leaders,” Stritikus said. Hozhoni Days is one of the longest-running powwows in the Four Corners, and it’s not surprising since Wanbli O’ta puts so much thought and care into this multi-day event each year. Even with how much the powwow has grown over the years, it has never failed to make everyone feel welcomed.  

Hozhoni Days welcomes everyone to enjoy the events and contests, even if you are not Native American. The MC (Master of Ceremony) shares stories and information about the powwow and you can learn a lot from them. Wanbli O’ta encourages students and community members to come out and experience the Hozhoni Days Powwow – hoping participants learn about Native American culture, ask questions, and participat