Educating for the seventh generation: A celebration of indigenous cultures

VANCOUVER — On Fri., Nov. 1, Clark College welcomes the community to its annual Powwow as it hosts “Educating for the Seventh Generation.” The free, public celebration of Indigenous cultures will be held in the Gaiser Student Center on Clark College’s main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Doors open at 5 p.m.; grand entry begins at 6 p.m. Due to limited stage space, drummers will participate by invitation only. All dancers are welcome.

Since 2009, Clark College has celebrated Indigenous cultures during the first weekend of November in honor of Native American Heritage Month with a powwow that includes music, dance, food, vendors, honoring veterans, and announcing the Dreamcatcher Scholarship honoring the vision of Educating for the Seventh Generation. The powwow is one of four annual signature events hosted by the college to celebrate diverse cultures. 

“Educating for the Seventh Generation” references our responsibility to teach the future Seventh Generation to maintain our resources, traditions, and customs. It is the way of caring and preserving for the Seventh Generation, which is a true sustainable practice to consider the impacts of every decision for the next seven generations into the future.

Powwow Schedule:

• 5 p.m. – Doors open, blessing, free stew will be served (while supplies last), Native fry bread will be available for sale, informational tables and vendors selling Native arts and crafts
• 5:45 p.m. – Dignitary greeting
• 6 p.m. – Grand entry
• 10 p.m. – Colors retire

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps. Anyone needing accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College’s Human Resources office prior to the event via phone: 360-992-2105 or email hr@clark.edu

Donations accepted for the event through Clark College Foundation at give.clarkcollegefoundation.org and click on “give” and under designation, select “other” and enter “POWWOW.” 

Useful links

• Event info: Powwow: A Celebration of Indigenous Cultures 
• Native American Heritage Month
• Photos from the 2023 celebration are available via Clark’s Flickr album,
  photo credit to Jenny Shadley, Clark College

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

Information provided by Clark College Communications.