SACNAS Native American Pow Wow and Cultural Celebration Open to Public

Washington, DC—The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in STEM (SACNAS) will hold their annual conference Pow Wow on Friday, October 30th and the event will be free and open to the public. SACNAS is proud to offer a number of Native American cultural events as part of the 2015 National Diversity in STEM conference – one of the largest and most diverse gatherings of STEM professionals across the country. The conference will draw thousands of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists to the National Harbor for three days of cutting-edge research, professional development, inspiring White House speakers and more.

This year’s Pow Wow has been organized with support from the Cedarville Band Piscataway Indians, the indigenous people of Maryland. Tribal Chairwoman Natalie Proctor will be delivering the opening blessing at the conference’s welcome ceremony on Thursday, October 29. The Pow Wow will also feature the traditions of several other Native American tribes and awards will be presented in categories such as Men’s War Dance, and Women’s Jingle/Fancy Shawl. In addition to the Pow Wow a number of other Native American cultural activities including the Indigenous Marketplace and various panels addressing tribal communities in particular.

Dr. David Wilson, SACNAS Director of American Indian Affairs and Science Policy explains cultural events at conference are what help fulfill the SACNAS mission. “Often young people get lost and wonder if they fit into the scientist mold. Integrating cultural events into our scientific conference is a critical way of showing young scientists that they don’t have to give up one identity in order to represent the other,” he said. “In order to become in a leader in the scientific arena, you have to be confident of who you are--and a strong sense of self-identity is key.”

Wilson also noted that while SACNAS has great representation of Native Americans from different regions of the United States, it has been many years since it hosted a conference on the East Coast. “The local tribes welcomed us with open arms and a commitment to supporting not only their people, but advancing diversity as a whole.”

Learn more about SACNAS’ 2015 Native American programs here.

WHO: SACNAS Native American Affairs Committee, conference attendees, community members

WHAT: 22nd Annual SACNAS Pow Wow

WHEN: Friday, October 30 from 8:45 pm – 10:30 pm

WHERE: Gaylord Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, Maryland 2074

To find out more about the event email sacnaspowwow@gmail.com.