Join Salish Kootenai College (SKC) May 16th and 17th for a weekend of celebration at the 2025 Graduate Honoring PowWow! Powwows are vibrant gatherings that weave together dance, song, and community spirit. Witness the energy of the Grand Entry, featuring a special tribute to SKC graduates alongside local headstart, elementary, and high school graduates. The powwow floor comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colors as dancers of all ages, from Tiny Tots to Golden Age, showcase their talents in various dance styles. This is a cultural celebration not to be missed!
Master of Ceremonies: Alex Shepherd
Arena Director: Ardon McDonald
SKC Student Powwow Ambassador: Jet DuMontier
Head Woman Dancer: Diné Warrior's Pistol Bullet
Head Man Dancer: Sxwlekws Bell
SKC powwow is not responsible for lost or stolen items, accidents or injuries.
No alcohol or drugs are allowed.
Event Contacts
Allen Addison: 406-275-4980
Email: powwow@skc.edu
Vendor Info
Dawnette S. - 406-309-1564
Jade W. - 406-749-0302 or
For more info, email: jadewalksalong@student.skc.edu
No Outside Chairs Allowed
Due to damage to our gym floor, we can no longer allow outside chairs to be brought into the Joe McDonald Gym & Fitness Center. We will have designated Elders' Seating available, including lower rows on the bleachers reserved for elders and a designated area with chairs situated on the north side of the stage. Additionally, folding chairs will be available for drum groups and for general public seating. We appreciate your understanding as we preserve our gym floor.
Schedule of Events
12:00 PM
Test Entry
3:00 PM
Vendors OK to begin set up
Sound Checks
5:00 to 6:45 PM
Registration open - Doors open to the public
6:30 PM
SKC Ambassador announced
6:45 PM
Registration Closes/Drum Roll Call
7:00 PM
Grand Entry
Welcome, Prayer
Introduction of Royalty
7:45 PM
Registration reopens
Intertribal Dancing / Announce Graduates to start lining up
8:00 PM
Graduate Honor Ceremony
8:30 PM
Registration reopens
Tiny Tots
Intertribal Dancing
Non-Contest Golden Age
Jr Girls: fancy, jingle, traditional - Contest 1
Jr Boys: fancy, grass, traditional - Contest 1
9:00 PM
Teen Girls: fancy, Contemp Jingle, OS Jingle, traditional - Contest 1
Teen Boys: fancy, Grass, Traditional, Prairie Chicken- Contest 1
Intertribal Dancing
Golden Age Women, combined -Contest 1
Golden Age Men, combined - Contest 1
Intertribal Dancing
Head Woman Special-Collegiate Special for Graduates & current students
Adult Men's Fancy, Grass, Prairie Chicken, Traditional - Contest 1
I Women’s fancy, Contemp Jingle, OS Jingle, Traditional- Contest 1
11:00 PM
Retire Colors
11:00 AM-12:45 PM
Registration open
12:45 PM
Drum Roll Call
1:00 PM
Grand Entry - Eagle Staff, Color Guard, Royalty, then Teen, Juniors, Tiny Tots, Adults,
Prayer,
Welcome
Introduction of Royalty
2:00
Registration Closes
Tiny Tots,
Non-Contest Golden Age,
Intertribal Dancing
Adult Women's Exhibitions (either by category or combined categories)
2:15 PM
Adult Men Exhibitions (either by category or combined categories),
Intertribal Dancing,
1st call GA Men & Women
Golden Age Women - Contest Finals
3:00 PM
Golden Age Men - Contest Finals,
Intertribal Dancing,
Jr. Girls: Fancy, Jingle, Traditional - Contest Finals
Jr. Boys: Fancy, Grass, Traditional - Contest Finals
3:45 PM
Intertribal Dancing
Teen Girls: Fancy, Contemporary Jingle, OS Jingle, Traditional - Contest Finals
Teen Boys: Fancy, Grass, Traditional, Prairie Chicken - Contest Finals
4:15 PM
Intertribal Dancing
Head Man Special - Mens Traditional
Intertribal Dancing
Retire the Colors
5:00 PM
Dinner Break
6:45 PM
Drum Roll Call
7:00 PM
Grand Entry
Prayer
Welcome
Introduction of Color Guard, Royalty
7:30 PM
First Intertribal led out by Head Dancers
Golden Age, non-contest
Intertribal Dancing
8:00 - 8:30 PM
McDonald Family Special - Golden Age Men Traditional
Intertribal Dancing
Jr/Teen, Golden Age categories - Tie Breakers if needed
9:00 PM
Adult Women's Fancy, Contemporary Jingle, OS Jingle, Traditional - Contest Finals
Intertribal Dancing
Adult Men - Fancy, Grass, Traditional, Chicken - Contest Finals
10:00 PM
Intertribal Dancing
Social Dancing - Round Dance, Owl Dance
Announce any Adult Tie-breakers if needed
Switch Dance Special sponsored by outgoing SKC Student Powwow Ambassador
Retire Colors
11:00 PM
Announcement of Contest Winners
Grand Entries
There will be three Grand Entries this PowWow weekend.
Friday, May 16th: 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 17th: 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Graduate Honoring
As we celebrate achievements, the 2025 Graduate Honoring PowWow shines a bright light on our graduating classes. SKC proudly honors its Class of 2025 alongside local graduates from Headstart, 8th grade, and high school during a special Grand Entry procession. This is a momentous occasion where graduating SKC students will receive their official graduation stoles and tassels, marking their academic journey. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the collective pride and celebrate the success of our future leaders!
Free Admissions and More
This is a celebration for our entire community and we're proud of every graduate of every school on our reservation. There is no barrier for participation or admission at our celebration. Come one, come all and enjoy this celebration.
Dancer Registration
Admission
Parking
Dance Categories
Tiny Tots (0-6)
Junior (7-12)
Fancy, Grass, Jingle, Traditional
Teen (13 -17)
Fancy, Grass, Old Style Jingle, Contemporary Jingle, Traditional, Prairie Chicken
Adult (18 -54)
Fancy, Grass, Old Style Jingle, Contemporary Jingle, Traditional, Prairie Chicken
Golden Age (55+)
Combined (There will be a non-contest option)
Specials
Tom & Teresa McDonald and Family
Men’s Golden Age Traditional special in honor of the late Dr. Joe McDonald
SKC Student Powwow Ambassador
Switch Dance
Head Woman
Collegiate Special for college graduates and current students
Head Man
Mens Traditional Special
Student Senate
Collegiate Special
Drums
Host Drum selected each session.
First 10 registered drums to receive pay per session.
Apply now and enjoy a unique educational experience that blends Western academic knowledge with Native American perspectives and practices. Benefit from smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and opportunities for hands-on learning and research. Join a supportive community that values cultural diversity and academic excellence, and prepare for a successful career and leadership role in your community. Apply today and start your journey towards a brighter future at SKC!