Pow wow today at WNC Douglas campus

Staff Reports

There will be dance and drumming events by Native American competitors from Nevada and California, food, crafts and college information when Western Nevada College hosts a pow wow on the Douglas campus beginning at noon today. Admission is free.

The event is a chance to get information about colleges and universities in the area and to encourage registration for fall semester which starts Aug. 25.

"Our goal is to get all the Native Americans interested in attending WNC or another college, and to seek higher education," said event organizer Lori Pasqua, who is a Washo tribe member and a WNC student.

Head Man of the pow wow is Ben Rupert of the Duck Valley Shoshone-Paiute tribe and University of Nevada, Reno graduate. Head Woman is Fawn Pasqua of the Wa-Pai-Shone tribe and Western Nevada College graduate.

"We want people to come out and enjoy themselves, and check out the arts and crafts, food vendors and the Washoe Room," Lori Pasqua said about where historical documentary films about Native Americans will be shown.

Festivities will begin at noon with a grand entry, followed by competitions. Featured food for sale will include Indian tacos, strawberry shortcake, Hawaiian and Mexican food, hamburgers and hot dogs.

The event is sponsored by the Horizon Inn of Gardnerville, WNC Tech Prep program/Perkins Grant, Washo Tribe, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Douglas County Suicide Prevention and TANF.

WNC Douglas campus is at 1680 Bently Parkway South, Minden. Information, Lori Pasqua, (775) 450-1355 or Lana Hicks, (775) 287-9978.