A traditional, intertribal powwow makes its way to NIU this weekend.

The Ninth Annual Powwow, hosted by N.A.T.I.O.N.S., will be held from 11a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Office of Campus Recreation.

The event will consist of traditional Native American dancers dressed in full regalia, drummers, vendors selling Native American arts and crafts and Native American foods such as fry bread, Indian tacos, wild rice soup and much more.

Among the dancing and drummers, highlights during the day will be the grand entrances at 1 and 7 p.m., the Aztec dancers who will perform at 5 and 6 p.m. and a giveaway of items such as jewelry, toys and more, all made by members of N.A.T.I.O.N.S.

The dances are led by a head male and head female dancer. This year’s head dancers are Nick Hockings and his daughter Nicole Larson from Lac du Flambeau, Wis.

“They are really striking,” said Rita Reynolds, adviser to N.A.T.I.O.N.S. “Nick is a fancy and traditional dancer.”

The dancers will invite the crowd to join in their circle of dance.

“A lot of times, people don’t know what to expect, but the tribal groups typically are very inclusive and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable,” Reynolds said.

N.A.T.I.O.N.S. member Wahku Ziel attended the powwow for the first time last year with her daughter.

“I had a really good time participating,” Ziel said. “I’m looking forward to meeting the dancers.”

The powwow has drawn a crowd of about 4,500 in recent years.

“This is truly a family event,” Reynolds said. “Anything that can bring us together is a good thing. Everything we do is spiritual; it’s a powerful moving thing to go to.”