MESA, Arizona -- March 4, 2025 -- Native American dancers, drummers, authentic food and crafts are just a few highlights of the Thunderbird Social Pow Wow being hosted by the Mesa Community College (MCC) Inter-Tribal Student Organization (ISO) and American Indian Institute. The celebration will be Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the practice soccer field near the John D. Riggs Stadium on the MCC Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave. Gourd Dances will occur at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. with Grand Entry of dancers at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Thunderbird Pow Wow is a signature cultural event that celebrates Indigenous nations from across the country, drawing up to 500 attendees. The gathering provides a platform to showcase Indigenous cultures in an educational setting, offering students, faculty and the broader community an opportunity to engage with and learn about traditions they may not be familiar with.

Featured dances include traditional performances from Southern and Northern Plains warrior societies such as Gourd Dancing, Women’s Fancy Shawl, Women’s Jingle, Men’s Grass Dance and Men’s Fancy Dance.

“By holding the pow wow on our campus, we create a space for cultural education and awareness, reaching a younger, more diverse audience. The event serves not only as a celebration of Native American culture but also as a platform for cross-cultural exchange, fostering education, unity and respect for Indigenous traditions in a contemporary setting,” said MCC ISO Advisor Leora Smith. “It’s a meaningful occasion promoting understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures within the wider community.”

MCC proudly serves Indigenous students from all 22 Arizona Federally Recognized Tribal Nations and others. MCC and the Maricopa Community Colleges are dedicated to empowering and supporting Indigenous students and communities through cultural and academic initiatives.

Learn more and connect with a representative from MCC’s American Indian Institute by visiting mesacc.edu/aii.

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Media contact: Drea Yazzie, quindrea.yazzie@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7056.

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.