![Newspaper clipping from February 25, 1970 in the Daily Barometer showing an article written by Bob Allen, past Barometer Editor. This article was written to spotlight both the student body’s lack of participation with student government at the time in conjunction with their class representatives response. [It’s important to note ASOSU was not structured identically to today’s standards, likely having a president on behalf of each class work together as one entity as opposed to one president representing all classes.]](https://dailybaro.orangemedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-12-1.00.42-PM-e1741811160853.png)
On Sunday, May 17, Gill Coliseum was filled with the energy of the 46th annual Latwa Ina Pow-Wow. People from universities, cities, and Tribal Nations of the region, especially the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, joined for this celebration of Indigenous cultures.
Grand entrances, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., were led by the Grand Ronde Color Gua
rd, along with Head Woman and Head Man Dancers, Ramona and Anthony Quenelle. Veterans were invited to join as well, and the dancers followed suit.
Dozens of dancers in colorful regalia showcased their talent across many categories, including Jingle, Grassdance, Women’s Fancy, Men’s Fancy, Women’s Traditional, and Men’s Traditional. All generations were out on the floor, and the young children received some of the loudest applause of the evening.
Ramona and Anthony Quenelle danced with the whole group and as a pair, and Ramona also danced with her five daughters, before judging some of the dance competitions.
Throughout the day, students and families browsed the tables in the front of the Coliseum, where vendors sold clothing, jewelry, bags, and more. The Oregon State University Press also tabled, selling books from the Indigenous studies collection.
The recently crowned Latwa Ina Royalty was joined by Indigenous student ambassadors from Portland State University and the University of Oregon, as well as young ambassadors from different tribes.
Among commended members of the event were this year’s three graduating seniors of the Native American Student Association, the organization that hosts the Pow Wow.
Ramona Quenelle, herself a veteran of the US Navy with three degrees, offered warm words of encouragement to the seniors and other Indigenous scholars in the room.
“Whether it’s your culture, your language, your history, your songs or any of your teachings, those will get you through the rest of the hard times. Your tribes, your people, your family and your community are all behind you, they’re home waiting for you, and they’re wishing for your success,” Quenelle said.
Emcee Carlos Calica reminded attendees that another Oregon Pow-Wow will take place this month. The First Annual Willamette Valley Pow Wow will be on May 31, in Lebanon; more information on this can be found here.
