52nd Annual Symposium on American Indian feature returning Native artist

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Northeastern State University campus in Tahlequah will serve as a hub for intellectual and artistic exchange centered on American Indian culture during the 52nd Annual Symposium on the American Indian.

The symposium, held April 7-12, will feature daytime and evening events that are free and open to the public. The theme for this year’s symposium is "Reclamation for an Indigenous Future."

Returning artist Nathalie Standing Cloud, a Cherokee (with Muscogee Creek and Salish-Kootenai heritage) artist, actor and tattoo artist, created the artwork for the 43rd Annual Symposium, titled “Children: The Seeds of Change,” and has returned to create the artwork for this year's event.

“This year, with the reclamation theme, I really wanted to chew on that for a minute,” Standing Cloud said. “There’s a tattoo style that’s kind of Chrome; it’s metallic, and I think of the future.”

Standing Cloud reflected on several symbols and stories from Cherokee culture, such as the double-headed woodpecker, but ultimately, the story of the spider resonated with her.

“I decided to encapsulate the entire spider in Chrome to represent the old Indigenous symbols coming into the new [age],” she said.

In addition to her art, Standing Cloud has acted since the age of six, making her film debut in a project directed by her aunt, Kimberly Guerrero. She has since appeared in various short films, theater productions and as a guest star on the popular television show “Reservation Dogs.”

“The [story of the] spider wouldn’t have survived as long as it has if nobody kept it going,” Standing Cloud said. “It’s important to make art, and it’s important to share it.”

Many visitors are expected to converge on the NSU Tahlequah campus for the anticipated highlight of the week—the NSU Powwow. This year, three powwow Head Staff roles will be filled by NSU students.

As members of the Head Staff, they play a vital role in the planning process and will lead the procession of dancers during the powwow.

“Whenever it comes to leading dances, the women don’t go out until I go out there,” Shadow Hardbarger, Head Lady and NSU senior, said. “It’s the same with the Head Man. We’re kind of like the pacemakers; they watch our feet and follow, so we have to stay on beat.”

Hardbarger, who is of Apsáalooke (Crow) and Cherokee heritage, added that she sought guidance from her mother about the responsibilities and expectations of the Head Lady role. She credits her mother's dedication to learning about their Cherokee heritage at NSU and her own participation in the Remember the Removal Bike Ride for inspiring her cultural engagement.

“Now I’m continuing what she did,” Hardbarger said. “I represent all of the Native organizations on campus as an ambassador. People in my community see me and say, ‘You’re really doing good for the community.’ So, I can’t even express the gratitude I feel for being recognized and honored as Head Lady.”

Dugan Gibson, Head Man and NSU sophomore, also of Cherokee, Shawnee and Pawnee heritage, was encouraged by his uncles and elders to take on the role, which will be his first time as Head Staff. Gibson traditionally participates in powwows as a grass dancer, creating and sewing his own regalia, right down to his moccasins.

“It’s a very healthy way of getting our culture out there,” Gibson said. “[And a way of] educating those Native American youth who didn’t grow up culturally involved. We’re always advocating for that. If you’re Native and you don’t know that much about your culture, you need to come out here and we will help you.”

Thomas Kirkendall, Head Gourd and NSU freshman, of Quapaw, Shawnee, Osage, Pawnee and Delaware heritage, was also encouraged by his family to take on this role. Kirkendall grew up in White Oak, Oklahoma, where he participated in stomp dances and powwows, including the Quapaw Nation powwow.

“During the gourd dance, you’re honoring people,” Kirkendall said. “Usually, we have our bandolier, wear our sash, and carry an Eagle fan or feather. My uncle gave me a gourd last year. I feel pretty honored to be Head Gourd.”

The NSU Powwow will begin at 3 p.m. on April 11 in the University Center Ballroom, with the following schedule:

• Gourd Dancing – 3 p.m.
• Dinner Break – 5 p.m.
• Grand Entry – 6:30 p.m.

The program is sponsored by Northeastern State University, the Cherokee Nation, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, Councilor Candessa Tehee - District #2, the American Indian Heritage Committee and the Center for Tribal Studies.

For more information or a complete schedule of events, visit nsuok.edu/symposium or email tribalstudies@nsuok.edu.

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