UAF to host Festival of Native Arts

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: 907-474-7902
03/03/10

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will host the 37th annual Festival of Native Arts March 4-6 in the Charles Davis Concert Hall and William R. Wood Center.

Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. each day and will continue until midnight. The annual potlatch will be held at the Wood Center Carol Brown Ballroom on March 6 at noon, followed by a powwow until 4 p.m.

This year’s theme is "True Identity: Proud of Our Heritage." Nearly two-dozen Native dance groups and more than 30 Native artisans are expected to participate this year. Audience members are encouraged to arrive early to dance events, as seating is limited. All events are free and open to the public.

This year’s festival is dedicated to the people of the Interior, including the Athabascan people and others who have made a difference in Native communities. A presentation of thanks will be held at the beginning of the evening on Thursday, March 4. Tribal funk group Pamyua will also give a short performance the same day.

Native students and Student Orientation Services at UAF established the Fairbanks Festival of Native Arts in 1973. Originally, the festival focused each night on a specific Alaska Native culture. Today, it has grown in its depth and focus, and now features Native dance groups from throughout the state and nation, such as Stevens Village, Anaktuvak Pass, Old Harbor and Chalkyitsik. Native artisans also specialize in arts and crafts from multiple indigenous cultures. Their work will be displayed at the craft bazaar at Wood Center.

The Festival of Native Arts is organized by student and community volunteers, in cooperation with local, federal and state organizations.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Call the Festival of Native Arts office at 907-474-7181 or e-mail festival@uaf.edu.

ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/festival

MG/3-3-10/164-10