How do I get to the event?
First Nations @ UW presents the 53rd Annual Spring Powwow at the University of Washington campus at the Alaska Airlines Arena on April 13th and 14th, 2024. To get to the event, follow the directions below.
From the North
From I-5 southbound, take exit 168B towards Bellevue/Kirkland, take Montlake Blvd/ University of Washington exit. Take left two lanes onto Montlake Blvd. Continue north onto Montlake Blvd.
From the South
From I-5 northbound, take exit 168B towards Bellevue/Kirkland, take Montlake Blvd/ University of Washington. Take left two lanes onto Montlake Blvd. Continue north onto Montlake Blvd.
From the East
Coming from State Route 520 westward, take the Montlake Blvd exit. Continue north onto Montlake Blvd.
Where can I park?
During the event, attendees can park at the E18 parking lot, located on the east side of the University of Washington campus, along the same road as Husky Stadium, the football stadium.
Price for parking is $6 before noon on Saturday and will be free after noon on Saturday and throughout Sunday.
*Image applies for April 8, 2023.
What disability parking is available?
We have disability parking available at the E17 parking lot. However, it is on a first come, first served basis. We heavily encourage that attendees who are not handicapped that they park at the E18 parking lot.
Where are the entrances?
There are two entrances into the Spring Powwow for visitors.
The first entrance is the Northwest entrance which can be seen to the right.
The second entrance is the Southwest entrance which can also be seen to the right.
Where are restrooms located?
Restrooms are located throughout the concourse of Hec. Ed. | Alaska Airlines Arena.
Family restrooms are located at the Southwest and Northeast sections of the concourse.
Accessible restrooms are labeled outside of each restroom where arrangements have been made throughout the concourse.
Are there water fountains/ water bottle refill stations?
Yes, there are water fountains and water bottle refill stations along the concourse.
We encourage visitors to bring their own water bottle.
Where are the concessions?
Concessions are located at the east end of the concourse.
Menu
| Food | *Cash Preferred, Venmo available |
| Indian Taco | $9 |
| Frybread | $5 |
| Chili | $5 |
| Chips* | $2 |
| Drinks | |
| Water* | Still $1
Sparkling $1.50 |
| Juice (Apple, Caprisun, Gatorade)* | $2 |
| Soda (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite)* | $2 |
*Found at the northwest entrance, not at the concessions stand.
Where can I stay for the night?
These are some listings found in the area. First Nations @ UW is not sponsored by any hotels. However, we are providing some listings that are near the venue to start your search for lodging. We encourage that you look into other hotels that are not on this list that match your travel budget.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle University District
- Silver Cloud Hotel – University District
- Comfort Inn & Suites Seattle North
- Hotel Nexus Seattle
I am not of Native descent, can I still come to the Spring Powwow?
Yes! We encourage people of all backgrounds to attend the Spring Powwow!
Attending a powwow is a way for you to come in with and open mind to learn about the various Native cultures and traditions that make up some of the many Indigenous cultures. There are so many ways that you can support Native artists and performers by being present at the powwow and even checking out any merchandise that our vendors may be selling.
If you want additional information about what to expect and why it is okay to come as a non-Native, check out this excellent blog post from a white woman who made the effort to learn about powwows and Indigenous cultures in Canada.
Additionally, please refer to How should I act at a Powwow/Powwow Etiquette? to respect the dancers and the songs that may be played at specific points during the Spring Powwow.
What is the schedule for the Spring Powwow?
The schedule for the Spring Powwow will be available soon.
Can I take photos for your event?
Please be respectful and always ask before you take a photo of someone. If you notice other people are not taking photos or the Emcee announces that no photos should be taken, please do not take photos or videos.
Who should I contact if I need assistance with something regarding the event?
For any powwow-related questions or concerns, Email uwpowwow@gmail.com.
For general inquiries, contact us via DM or fnuw@uw.edu.
For accommodation requests, email dso@uw.edu or contact DSO at 206-543-6450 (voice), 206-543-6452 (TTY), or 206-685-7264 (fax).
For anything that needs getting in contact with one of the members of the Powwow Committee to sponsor a special during the powwow contact To Be Added
How should I act at a Powwow/Powwow Etiquette?
Because Powwows are sacred events steeped in tradition and protocol, an explanation of some of the details is provided so that you do not, by mistake, offend anyone or appear disrespectful. Remember that the powwow is a traditional celebration and ceremony, to which you have been invited.
Photography and Recording
Please remember these few guidelines about photographing or recording persons or events at Powwow.
Please do not take photographs or videotape of individuals outside the Arena without first getting their permission.
Please do not tape the songs unless the Head Singer of a Drum gives permission. Even if permission has been granted, the Emcee may request that specific songs not be recorded.
Photographing or recording of the Grand Entry or the ceremony to recover a fallen Eagle Feather is strictly forbidden. Videotaping in general is strongly discouraged.
Please listen carefully to the emcee; he will announce when photography is not allowed.
Chairs around the perimeter of the Dance Arena are reserved for the dancers. Dancers enter and exit the Dance Arena from the east. Please be respectful and avoid obstructing their pathway. Also, avoid standing in front of someone preparing to dance or those singing.
Do not touch any item of clothing, jewelry, or accessories of the dancers. Many of these items are fragile or sacred. Many are very old and have been handed down from ancestors.
Listen carefully to our Master of Ceremonies. He will explain what each song, dance and ceremony means. He will also give information about when photography and taping are allowed, and when visitors are invited to join the dancing.
It is respectful to stand and remove your hat whenever the Eagle Staff is brought into, or taken from the Arena. It is also respectful to stand during the opening ceremonies, the closing song, and other ceremonial songs. Listen to the Emcee for instructions.
All veterans should participate in the Veterans’ Dance, which is part of the opening ceremonies following the Grand Entry.
Visitors are welcome to enter the Dance Arena during Intertribal Dancing, and by invitation during special songs. Listen carefully to the Emcee. He will tell you when visitors are permitted to enter the Arena and join in the dancing. At other times, please respect the sacredness of the Arena by not entering it.
Appropriate dress for women is a long skirt or dress, and arms should be covered a t-shirt and pants is also ok. Men should wear shirts with sleeves, and pants. Shorts are not appropriate. Please wear something that would be acceptable in public, like going to an elementary school.
Random walking, running, or playing in the Dance Arena is strictly prohibited.
Pointing with a finger, particularly the index finger, is considered impolite. If you must indicate a specific individual, do so with the eyes or a nod of the head.
Do not touch an Eagle Feather that has fallen to the ground. If you discover a fallen Eagle Feather, guard it and notify a member of the powwow staff. There are ceremonies that have to be performed to return the fallen Eagle Feather.
Feel free to talk to the dancers and powwow staff outside of the Arena. They usually are very happy to answer your questions about their clothing, dances, and culture.
Drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden on powwow grounds. Violators will be removed.
Powwow Etiquette adopted from Penn State. Modified by FN@UW.