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University of Montana Hosts 45th Annual Kyi-Yo Celebration

By Beacon Staff

Some of the best Native American dancers and drum groups in North America will gather at the University of Montana for the 45th annual Kyi-Yo Celebration on Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, at the Adams Center in Missoula.

This year’s theme is “Reciprocity, Griz Helping Griz.” The theme will honor UM alumni while encouraging them to help current students by any resources they have available, such as time, donations or mentorships.

“We know that Native American alumni earned valuable skills while earning their education here at UM and hope they can help share those skills with current Native students,” said Kyi-Yo Club member Amber Shaffer.

Doors will open for the powwow at 5 p.m. Friday, with Grand Entry at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 10 a.m. Saturday. Grand Entries will be at noon and 7 p.m.

General admission tickets costs $5 per session or $12 for the weekend. Elders age 55 and older and children age 6 and younger get in free. Dancer registration costs $5. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The celebration supports the mission and goals of the UM Kyi-Yo Native American Student Association.

Head dancers this year are Eugene Edwards and Elizabeth TopSky. The master of ceremony will be Ruben Little Head and the honorary emcee will be Chief Earl Old Person. The host drum will be Red Sand. More information on the celebration can be found online.

This year’s celebration will not feature the annual Kyi-Yo Basketball Classic.

The Kyi-Yo club is recognized by the Associated Students of UM and is open to all University students. The club promotes pride and positive identity in Native American culture and supports cultural diversity on campus.