UM News Release, 4/13/2026, “UM Kyiyo Pow Wow Set for April 17-18, Including Native Student Admitted Day
by Jenny Lavey, UM News Service
MISSOULA – One of the nation’s longest running student-organized powwows will be held Friday, April 17, through Saturday, April 18, at the University of Montana Adams Center.
The annual Kyiyo Pow Wow Grand Entry begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and at noon and 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday. Children 6 years and under and seniors are admitted for free.
Since 1968, UM’s Kyiyo Native American Student Association has organized the annual spring powwow, drawing tribes and Indigenous people from across Montana and beyond. Now in its 57th year, the event is produced entirely by the student group, which plays an integral role in promoting the cultural traditions and customs of all Native Americans at the University.
Virgil Mad Plume, UM American Indian student services program coordinator, said the event celebrates Indian Nations across Montana and the University community.
“The Kyiyo Pow Wow reflects that relationship between Native culture, our community, youth and the story of UM,” Mad Plume said. “Our students work hard all year organizing and putting this on. It’s a source of pride to host this every year.”
Mad Plume said the student group has been operating at UM since the 1950s. “Kyiyo” means bear in the Blackfeet language. Mad Plume said he eventually would like to see the powwow bring back a youth basketball tournament.
“We’re talking about what that would like from an organizational view point, and it’s something the students are discussing,” he said.
Friday, April 17, also will include a Native Student Admitted Day at UM’s Payne Family Native American Center. Admitted Native students planning to attend UM in the fall will participate in specialized programming, meet with staff and faculty, and explore majors and wellness programs. They’ll also learn about the college journey, scholarships, financial aid and many additional resources, including UM’s First-Year Indigenous Program.
UM’s Native student enrollment has experienced significant growth over the last few years, reaching 839 Native students enrolled in the fall semester, representing a 40% increase since 2018.
Head staff for the powwow include:
- Masters of Ceremony: Jay St.Goddard and Telton Old Bull.
- Arena Director: Dustin Whitford
- Head Drum Judge: Andrew Old Elk
- Head Dance Judge: Jeremy Shield
- Host Drum: HoChunk
- Sound by: Toxic Sound
Powwow Royalty include:
- Miss Kyiyo: Gracie-Bell Reed.
- Jr. Miss Kyiyo: Averiona Skunkcap.
- Little Miss Kyiyo: Kayleah Cummins.
Powwow dance categories include:
- Men’s and Women’s Golden Age 55-plus:Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Chicken, Jingle.
- Adult Men’s and Women’s (ages 18-54): Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Chicken, Jingle.
- Teen girls and boys (ages 13-17):Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Chicken, Jingle
- Junior girls & boys (ages 7-12): Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Chicken, Jingle
- Tiny tots (ages 6 & under): no contest, paid two sessions.
- Singing Contest (first through third place).
For more information about the powwow or Native Student Admitted Day, call 406-243-5964 or email kyiyo@umontana.edu .
