The Native American Student Association will host a powwow from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in the General Dining Area in the Main Building, said club Secretary and Public Relations Representative Rachael Colbart.

A Gourd Dance is scheduled for 2 p.m. with men and women contests at 6:30 p.m.

There will be straight, fancy, and traditional/grass contests for the men and cloth, buckskin, and jingle/fancy shawl contests for the women.

“The powwow is to bring more awareness of Native American culture to the school and to provide educational information as well as wellness in the community,” Colbart said.

All are welcome to attend the powwow.

The NASA club is open to all who would like to be a part of celebrating Native American history, said club President Samantha Harris.

“Our purpose … is to notify other students that there is a Native American organization out there  willing to help find out about your heritage and let others celebrate Native American heritage.”

Colbart said the club celebrates all native heritage — card holders or hypodescent.

Club Member Janelle Lawson said she likes being a part of the club.

“It’s connected me to other cultures, not just my own upbringing,” she said.

“We’re just one big family.”

Colbart said students of any ethnicity can join.

“ … We just want to celebrate culture and enjoy each other, and reach goals that we set in bettering our community,” she said.

Club Sponsor Taylor Fields agrees.

“We really want to stress that you don’t have to be Native American to be a part of this club,” he said. “We accept everybody.”

Fields said NASA helps out in the community with a fundraiser and powwow as well as helping with the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic powwows.

Scholarship and transfer assistance is also available to active club members, Harris said.

There are over 20 different scholarships NASA helps members apply for.

“Sponsors help with graduation services also. They provide either a stole or a graduation gown,” Colbart said.

For more information, contact NASA at nasa@my.occc.edu or their Facebook page at facebook.com/occc.nasa.

To contact Katie Axtell, email communitywriter@occc.edu