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SOU powwow nurtures spirit of renewal, healing Bob Pennell photo Southern Oregon University graduate and Warm Springs Indian Brent Florendo of Talent dances during Saturday's powwow at the McNeal Pavilion at SOU in Ashland. The event continues today. Tribal dances are a highlight of the annual event By JOHN DARLING Amid calls for healing between cultures, American Indians this weekend performed sacred song, dance and drumming at the eighth annual Southern Oregon Pow Wow. The colorful weekend gathering of tribes is sponsored by the Native American Student Union at Southern Oregon University's McNeal Pavilion. Today's festivities start at noon with a Grand Entry of richly costumed singers and dancers. It's free and open to the public. Many American Indians spoke of the spirit of reflection and healing accompanying the new millennium. "These songs, dances and drumming are all part of our healing," said Frank Merrill, a Karuk and academic adviser at Lane Community College in Eugene, at a prayer for Saturday's Grand Entry. "Let us all open our hearts and let all the confusion, bitterness and hurt leave us. We ask you, Great Father, let all people come together in one family circle." The event has become a regular stop on the Western U.S. and Canada powwow circuit traveled by professional dancers, said NASU co-chair Rachel Saloma, a member of the Blackfoot tribe. Their elaborate costumes are adorned with feathers, horns, beads, mirrors, bells and other sacred objects, many of which are family heirlooms. "It's very spiritual, moving and emotionally fulfilling for me, because my father has told me we're part Cherokee, and here I can really feel it," said spectator Laurie Kime of Medford. "It's a healing for the people," said Joe Poor Thunder, a member of the Dine Tribe, Tuva City, Ariz., who travels on the powwow circuit. "It's a place for learning and getting together, a place to gather your thoughts." NASU member Heather Huntington, who helped produce the powwow, said, "It's wonderful and we're trying to make everyone happy. It's more like a friendly family here, not a competition for cash prizes. We give (Indian) blankets for prizes." Many booths offer a plethora of rings, necklaces, chokers, headbands, sage and CDs of Indian music. "It's a nice way for all of us to get together and reflect about things," said Saloma. "The money we raise here helps NASU to provide a support system for our 15 to 20 students and to bring awareness of our culture and contemporary issues to the university and community." NASU provides a "tribal family" of support and an "excellent training ground for business" from producing the powwow, said SOU professor David West, who is Native American academic coordinator and director of the Native American Studies minor degree. "Many Native American students here come from places where access to education is limited and where communities are struggling against poverty and unemployment. "NASU has a significant impact on the self-determination of Native Americans." Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA