Many generations before us have come together to celebrate Native tradition, and this year is no exception. NMU’s Native American Studies Association (NASA) is hosting its 24th annual Pow Wow at the Vandament Arena at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18.

This year’s “Learning to Walk Together” Traditional Pow Wow will open with a grand entry, flag song and veterans honor song. Social dances such as an inter-tribal round dance and two-step dance will take place during the event and invite the audience to participate.

A number of vendors will also be attending to share traditional hand-crafted goods and specialty items with Pow Wow-goers.

NASA would like to bring people together on campus and share a culture, said Kristina Misegan, junior Native American studies major and co-president of NASA.

A number of local tribes will be contributing to the Pow Wow including the Keweenaw Bay Indian community, the Lac Vieux tribe from Watersmeet, Michigan, the Sault Ste. Marie tribe, Hannahville Indian Community and the Potawatomi tribe in lower Michigan, as well as tribes from Canada and Minnesota.

“Many people haven’t been to a Pow Wow. We want to invite people in and share our culture,” Misegan said.

NASA started preparing for the event at the beginning of the semester. Event coordinators are also looking for volunteers up until the day of the event to help things run smoothly. The event aims to show the importance of sharing and learning about a new culture that is local to the Upper Peninsula, Misegan said.

“We want to host a Pow Wow to bring all the tribes together. It’s important to bring diversity to the Marquette community,” Misegan said. “It brings so many people from all over the place that maybe have never been to a Pow Wow.”

A feast is also being held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Jacobetti Complex. General admission is $5 for the public and free for NMU students.