Seventh Generation Powwow to take place in November

SWACH is honored to participate in this year’s Educating for the Seventh Generation Powwow at Clark College’s Gaiser Student Center on Friday, November 7. Doors open at 5 p.m., and community members are invited to join in celebrating Native culture, connection, and resilience.

The annual Powwow is a vibrant community event that brings together Native families, students, and allies to honor the traditions and teachings of the Seventh Generation. The evening features traditional drumming, dancing, food, and vendors sharing local art and culture.

For SWACH’s Tribal Liaison, Mercedes White Calf, the event carries profound meaning.

“While Powwows can have as many representational meanings as there are tribal members, Powwows represent to me the standing of resistance: resistance to cultural genocide and forced assimilation. Any time I attend a Powwow I see first hand the level of commitment people have to their culture. The thousands of hours it takes to learn the lyrics of songs, singing, practicing, learning to dance, spending time with other dancers, beading, the learning of beading, the meaning of it, the rituals, the customs in participating with other nations in the event, it’s all a commitment. Job, or no job, house or house, food or no food, family or no family, everyone participating in the goings that keep a Powwow going are a testament to an indigenous peoples commitment to cultural preservation.”

That sense of endurance and belonging is part of why hosting the Powwow locally matters so deeply.

“The most important thing about having Powwows like the one 7th Generational Educational Clark College Powwow in our community is not only the acknowledgement of indigenous people, but the welcoming of a power that excluded and condemned this same culture and people for so long.”

SWACH will be tabling at the event to share resources on health equity, community programs, and connection to care through HealthConnect Hub.

“SWACH’s partnership with the 7th Generation Educational Powwow reinforces a powerful message shared by many non-Native organizations: that it is our collective responsibility to support one another in doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult. When we see a community struggling to remain visible, it becomes the role of those with a stronger platform to uplift and share space with those whose voices have been marginalized or overlooked.”

White Calf also reflected on what she hopes visitors will take away:

“I just hope participants leave with a sense of knowledge and reflect on how this particular culture has been impacted. And also, how much Native American communities believe in their identity and commit to preserving it.”

And when it comes to her favorite part of the evening:

“I love all of the events and aspects of the Powwow, but since I was a little girl grass dancers and hoop dancers have always captured my full attention.”

SWACH’s presence at this event reflects an ongoing commitment to listen, learn, and build relationships rooted in respect and collaboration.

Stop by our table to meet the team, learn more about our work, and pick up materials on local resources and services. We look forward to seeing you there.

What: Educating for the Seventh Generation Powwow
When: Friday, November 7 — doors open 5:00 p.m.
Where: Clark College, Gaiser Student Center (Vancouver, WA)
Highlights: Traditional drumming and dancing, vendors, food, cultural sharing
SWACH at the Event: Resource table with information
Bring/Know: Family-friendly; all are welcome; please be respectful of dance arena etiquette and cultural protocols