The 20th Annual Westwood High School Social Powwow took place at the school’s baseball field on March 27 and 28.

Westwood has been celebrating Indigenous cultures for 20 years, with a brief intermission during the COVID-19 pandemic. At last year’s powwow, for the first time the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community dance group Bird Singing and Dancing by the River was invited to perform. The Westwood Native American Club members and spectators enjoyed the performance so much that they invited the group back again this year.

The powwow featured Southern Host drum Strictly Southern from the Keams Canyon Hopi and Northern Host drum Medicine Butte from Hopi. Rick Yazzie was the master of ceremonies and Colby AfraidofhisTracks was this year’s arena director.

Over the course of the two-day powwow, six specials were held: Sibling Showdown, 18+ Men’s Northern Traditional, Junior Girls Jingle Dress, All-Ages Grass, Hat and Boot Special, and a drum contest.

Westwood’s Native American Club, the Mesa Public Schools Native American Education Program, and community partners and supporters came together to host an amazing powwow. 

“This takes all year to plan. The 2025-2026 Westwood [Native American] club officers have all worked very hard throughout the year. I’m very proud of all of the officers. They put in a lot of work and stepped up to be leaders at this powwow. I’d also like to shout out the Native American Education Program of Mesa Public Schools for helping us out, as well as Dr. [Chris] Gilmore at Westwood High School, everyone who donated, all the Native American Club members, and most importantly everyone at the powwow who came to support. Go Warriors!” said Westwood Native American Education Program Liaison and Powwow Coordinator Jaden Bird.

Eli Smith, co-president of the Westwood Native American Club and an SRPMIC member, expressed his gratitude for all the help the club received leading up to the powwow. 

“I’d like to thank all the other officers in the club, the members and the volunteers because they really helped a lot. I have a lot of faith in the younger students and look forward to next year’s powwow,” said Smith.

Westwood High School Principal Dr. Chris Gilmore showed nothing but support for the Native American Club. “It’s an honor to be in the circle tonight where we give respect to our elders, our ancestors, our parents and our grandparents; but most importantly, the power of the circle represents the support for our students here. I can’t thank them enough for hosting this event tonight. I can’t appreciate them enough,” Gilmore said.

Westwood hosted an amazing powwow and now looks forward to the 21st Annual Social Powwow. For questions about the Westwood Native American Education Program, contact Jaden Bird at jebird@mpsaz.org or Kristen Lee at krlee@mpsaz.org