Together with David West and the Southern Oregon Indian Center, RCC’s Diversity Programming Board is excited to announce our upcoming Rogue Community College Educational Opportunities Powwow. This will be a community gathering designed to celebrate culture, honor educators and help students and families explore pathways to higher education.
Tribal communities, educational institutions and local nonprofits are invited to attend and participate. The powwow will provide an opportunity for organizations to connect directly with high school students, community college students and local families to share information about educational programs, student support services, career pathways, financial aid and scholarship and grant opportunities (such as the Oregon Tribal Student Grant — application deadline 9/30/26).
Event Information
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
- Time: Noon to 9 p.m. Grand Entry at noon and 7 p.m. (dinner break 5-7 p.m.)
- Location: RCC Redwood Campus, 3345 Redwood Hwy, Grants Pass — West Entrance, at the field
- MC: David West
- Arena Director: Stuart Whitehead
- Host Drum: Coyote Singers
- Guest Drums: Warrior Society, Wocus Boys, Midnight Travelers and Downriver Singers; show-up drums welcome
- Food: Grandma’s Kitchen will have a full menu of delicious offerings including Fry Bread, Rez Dogs and Indian Tacos! (Vegetarian options too!)
- Parking: Parking is free at RCC’s Redwood Campus with accessible ADA and elder parking available as well.
- Animals: Service animals ONLY. We love animals and want to ensure their safety. If you’re attending the event, please make plans that do not involve leaving pets unattended in parked vehicles. Please kindly leave pets at home.
The event is FREE to vendors and the public. ALL are welcome!
For more information, contact Sally Snyer or Lucia Bartscher via email or Teams.
Powwow Etiquette
- Listen to the master of ceremonies. The MC will provide instructions and explain what is happening throughout the powwow, for example, when to stand or join the dancing.
- Respect the dance area. The circle is a special space. Guests should not walk through the center of the circle or enter the dance area unless invited to participate.
- Regalia is not a costume. The clothing worn by dancers is called regalia and can have deep cultural and spiritual significance. Ask permission before touching someone’s regalia.
- Ask before taking photographs. Photography may not be appropriate during certain songs or dances. When in doubt, ask or wait for direction from the MC.
- Come ready to learn. Guests are encouraged to ask respectful questions, observe what others are doing and keep an open mind.
About David West
David West is an Enrolled Member and Elder of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and is also a descendant of the Miami and Kickapoo nations. He is Director Emeritus of Native American Studies at Southern Oregon University and the Konaway Nika Tillicum Summer Native Youth Academy, the longest-running program of its kind. He has been a member of the Oregon Indian Education Association for more than 35 years, and is a member of the National Congress of American Indians. He has been selected as Indian Educator of the Year and Elder of the Year, and is a Traditional Community Facilitator.
In June of 2001, Rogue Community College, where he is an alumnus, established the David West Seventh Generation Diversity Award in his honor. Since its establishment, RCC has presented this award annually to RCC employees who demonstrate a deep and unwavering commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness and fair and principled leadership. David embodies these values through his belief that the decisions we make today should create in a sustainable world for the next seven generations, a legacy that benefits our children, grandchildren and generations yet to come.
About Southern Oregon Indian Center
Southern Oregon Indian Center (SOIC) is dedicated to supporting First Nations by fostering cultural preservation, education and community engagement in Southern Oregon. SOIC champions Native culture through events, education and community gatherings that preserve tradition and foster intergenerational learning. We create nurturing spaces for Indigenous knowledge, identity and community bonds to flourish, for example:
- Cultural & Community Events: Cultural gatherings, including powwows, and honoring veterans, foster healing, expression and tradition within our Native community
- Youth & Family Engagement: Programs like the Multicultural Kids Camp nurture Indigenous values, community pride and empower youth
- Cultural Education & Legacy: Accessible gatherings for storytelling, learning and sharing resources that strengthen cultural bonds and community wellness
SOIC is led by Executive Director Nick Hall, who has devoted his leadership to strengthening Native families, preserving cultural traditions and fostering connection within the Southern Oregon community. Nick is Comanche and Pacific Islander, born in Oklahoma and raised in Texas. With steady, servant-hearted leadership, Nick remains committed to carrying culture forward and ensuring future generations have a strong foundation of identity, unity and belonging.
If you experience a disability that may require some accommodation to participate in an RCC class or activity, please notify the Access & Disability Resources office at least 5 business days in advance (accessoffice@roguecc.edu or 541-956 7337). RCC is an open institution and does not discriminate. For RCC’s full nondiscrimination policy and a list of specific contact persons, search “nondiscrimination” on the RCC website. RCC campuses are drug-free and alcohol-free environments.