The University of Montana announced on April 13 that it will hold the annual Kyiyo Pow Wow from Friday, April 17, through Saturday, April 18, at the Adams Center. The event is organized by the Kyiyo Native American Student Association and is now in its 57th year.
The powwow is recognized as one of the nation’s longest running student-organized events celebrating Indigenous culture. It brings together tribes and Native people from across Montana and beyond. The Grand Entry begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and at noon and again at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Admission costs $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday, with free entry for children aged six or younger and seniors.
Virgil Mad Plume, program coordinator for UM American Indian student services, said the event highlights the connection between Native culture, youth, community members, and the university itself. “The Kyiyo Pow Wow reflects that relationship between Native culture, our community, youth and the story of UM,” Mad Plume said. “Our students work hard all year organizing and putting this on. It’s a source of pride to host this every year.”
Mad Plume also noted that “Kyiyo” means bear in Blackfeet language and expressed hope for bringing back a youth basketball tournament in future years: “We’re talking about what that would like from an organizational view point, and it’s something the students are discussing.”
On Friday during the powwow weekend, UM will also host a Native Student Admitted Day at Payne Family Native American Center for incoming students planning to attend in fall. Activities include meetings with staff and faculty as well as information sessions about majors, wellness programs, scholarships, financial aid resources—including UM’s First-Year Indigenous Program.
UM reports significant growth in its Native student enrollment over recent years—reaching 839 enrolled students last fall semester—which marks a forty percent increase since 2018.
According to the official website of the University of Montana, prospective students can take both virtual or in-person tours of campus facilities; more than eleven thousand students are currently accommodated; undergraduate through professional degrees are available via established admissions processes; academic excellence is emphasized alongside hands-on education within an inclusive environment; online learning options extend access beyond Missoula; all within its role as a public research university operating in higher education.
For further details about either event or participation information regarding dance categories or contests during powwow weekend—which includes Golden Age through Tiny Tots divisions—interested parties may contact organizers by phone or email.