Casa Grande Union High School holds 10th Annual Pow-Wow

Velia Moncada

Gila River Indian News

The 10th annual Casa Grande Union High School (CGUHS) graduation social Pow Wow hosted various dancers and speakers from different tribes around the Valley. The event, which celebrated the Indigenous CGUHS senior class of 2024, was held May 15 inside the Jack Spilsbury Gymnasium.

The CGUHS Amerind Club, a group of Native American teenagers at CGUHS, organized the event along with Gene Manuel, District 3, and the CGUHS JOM (Johnson O’Malley Program) student advisor.

“We really appreciate the Community when they come out to support all of our students, because this is for them. It’s for our graduates and really for our native Community,” said Manuel in an interview with the GRIN.

Manuel explained that the Pow Wow began in 2013 when CGUHS Amerind Club student members wanted to organize a social Pow Wow for graduation. With permission from the CGUHS District board, and Manuel’s assistance, the class of 2013 Amerind club students hosted the first CGUHS graduation social Pow Wow.

“We’re just keeping the Pow Wow going,” said Jordan Watahomigie, Student President of the Amerind Club at CGUHS from District 3. “It’s really fun to come check out.”

Watahomigie mentioned that the Amerind Club is happy to provide their peers, teachers, and the public with the social Pow Wow experience. The Amerind Club raises funds for the CGUHS Indigenous graduates by selling popovers and providing graduates with a stole and feather for their academic completion.

“This is healing for everyone here,” said Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, speaking to the crowd at the CGUHS graduation Pow Wow.

Gov. Lewis acknowledged that Indigenous Communities have faced issues suppressing Native American students from wearing their cultural regalia upon graduating, “We have to honor our culture and doing this, here at Casa Grande Union High School, having a Pow Wow reinforces (ending suppression),” said Gov. Lewis.

The celebration combined traditional Indigenous ceremonies with the recognition of academic success, creating a unique and meaningful occasion for graduates. Indigenous craft vendors, students, faculty of CGUHS, and public visitors enjoyed the event and learned about the Indigenously proud CGUHS students.