Revival of the Cornell Powwow

THE CORNELL POWWOW: REVIVING THE TRADITION

The Cornell Powwow has long served as a vibrant gathering place where Indigenous students, local community members, and visitors come together to celebrate through dance, song, art, food, and cultural exchange. After almost 15 years without a Powwow on campus, its revival represents a meaningful moment of Indigenous resilience, connection, and community building.

Powwows bring together dancers, singers, artists, Elders, youth, families, and supporters from many places to celebrate culture and build community. More than that, they are spaces where relationships are strengthened, and people find a sense of connection and belonging. For Indigenous students, the Powwow affirms that Indigenous peoples are not simply part of the past, but vital members of the present and future. For everyone who attends, it offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate together in a spirit of respect and mutual understanding.

Reviving the Cornell Powwow is especially meaningful because it creates a space to recognize and honor the Gayogo̱hó:nǫʼ people and the broader Haudenosaunee Confederacy, whose stewardship of these lands continues today. It also gives the Cornell and Ithaca communities opportunities to learn about and engage respectfully with Indigenous cultures in a welcoming, educational environment. Ultimately, the Cornell Powwow will create a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can come together, feel included, and build lasting connections.

The Cornell Powwow will take place on May 1, 2027, and is free and open to everyone. Whether you are attending your first Powwow or continuing a tradition that has long been part of your life, the Cornell Powwow offers a space of cultural education and connection.

STUDENTS LEADING THE REVIVAL: ABOUT US

The Cornell Powwow is a student-led initiative, ultimately led by the Indigenous Graduate Student Association (IGSA), whose graduate student leaders have taken on the responsibility of organizing the Cornell Powwow. To make this possible, IGSA is invested in fostering collaborations with affiliated undergraduate student organizations, including the Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell (NAISAC) and the Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at Cornell. This work is supported by a broader planning committee and community partners who are contributing their time, knowledge, relationships, and experience to make this gathering possible.

We believe that a powwow is built by people. It takes a community to bring a gathering like this to life: students, community members, volunteers, advisors, artists, Elders, and partners all play a meaningful role. By working together, we are creating the relationships and foundation needed for this tradition to continue for years to come.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

By donating to the Cornell Powwow, you are investing in cultural education, student leadership, community partnerships, and meaningful opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn from and celebrate Indigenous cultures. Your generosity helps make this gathering accessible to everyone, ensuring that the Powwow remains free and open to the public. 

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps revive this important tradition and build the resources, relationships, and community support needed to sustain it for years to come. Your donation is an investment not only in the return of the Cornell Powwow, but also in its long-term sustainability, helping future generations of Indigenous students and community members continue to gather, share their cultures, and celebrate together.

Together, we can help restore an important Cornell tradition, strengthen a lasting sense of community and belonging, and create opportunities for future generations to connect through culture, learning, and celebration. Every gift brings us one step closer to making the Cornell Powwow a lasting part of campus and community life.

Together, we can honor the past, celebrate the present, and support future generations of Indigenous students and communities.

Nya:wëh (thank you) for helping bring the Cornell Powwow back to life.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about the Cornell Powwow, you can visit the Cornell Powwow website.

You can also stay up-to-date by following us on social media: Follow IGSA on Instagram | Follow IGSA on Facebook 

CONTACT US

For questions about Crowdfunding or other ways to get involved, please contact the Indigenous Graduate Student Association at indigenous.gsa@cornell.edu or powwow@cornell.edu.

Stay connected with the Cornell Powwow by joining our listserv to receive updates and announcements. 

We look forward to welcoming you on May 1, 2027, for a day of cultural learning, celebration, and community!

As a registered student organization, we are committed to equal access to all of our programs and do not discriminate based on any protected identity status.