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In 1971, newly inaugurated President John Kemeny pledged to address the
historical lack of opportunities for Native Americans in higher education. Due
to his efforts, Dartmouth College has one of the strongest and most diverse
Native American communities among the academic community. It was during the
Kemeny Administration that NAD held it's first Pow-Wow. The Pow-Wow has since
grown in both size and scope. What was once a small gathering at Storr's pond,
and later at the Bema, is now an event that attracts upwards of 1,500 people
from all over the country.
In addition to being recognized as one of the six traditional events that
the College allows to commence on the Green, the Dartmouth Pow-Wow also has the
distinction of being the second largest event of it's kind in the entire
Northeast (second only to Schemitzun, an event sponsored by the Mashantucet
Pequot Nation).
The Dartmouth Pow-Wow brings together all facets of our community. The
Pow-Wow is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and administration from
all the Dartmouth Communities, and the Upper Valley to see and participate in
Native American culture from many different tribes and traditions. For NAD, the
Pow-Wow serves as a cultural expression that reinforces our identity,
regardless of our tribal backgrounds. Indeed, the Pow-Wow is an important event
that benefits us all.
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