For those who visit the Office of Campus Recreation, get ready for a powwow.

NATIONS, Native Americans Together Insuring Our Nation’s Sovereignty, will host its 10th-annual powwow Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Rec.

Rita Reynolds, faculty adviser for NATIONS, described a powwow as a special type of event that’s viewed as a celebration of life.

“It is a chance for people to get together, and greet each other and just have a good time,” she said.

There are different types of powwows, including traditional, competition and friendship, according to the NATIONS Web site at www.sa.niu.edu/nations.

This year’s powwow is a friendship powwow, meaning it is free and open to all. It is a chance for the community to learn about aspects of Native-American life, including traditional customs and modern concerns.

Native Americans come from all over to experience this event. It was started 10 years ago by NIU alumnae Ramona Bonnet and Jennifer Minez.

“I think it’s terrific that it’s in its 10th year and NATIONS has been able to hold the powwow for the 10 years,” said Julie Kortum, NATIONS vice president.

People come from various parts of the country to take part in the traditional dancing, food and vendors selling various items.

The powwow is not the only event NATIONS sponsors. It has held colloquiums for the past few years, and the next colloquium is scheduled for spring 2003. It will be held on campus, as opposed to the usual off-campus.

“The past couple of times we have shown the movie ‘Navajo Boy’ and somebody comes in to speak about it,” NATIONS President Sam Bandy said.

Workshops will be held and more aspects of the culture are explored.

The powwow will be from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, with the grand entrance from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Rec. For information, visit the NATIONS’ Web site.