NASA Pow Wow in Ellensburg — Wednesday, June 27, 2018

As part of a special weeklong NASA science education training program for teachers and educators, the Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pipeline (NESSP) will co-host the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Inter-Tribal Pow Wow at Central Washington University on Wednesday, June 27, starting at 5 p.m.
The Pow Wow is a family friendly event that is free and open to the public. Prior to the Pow Wow, there will be rocket launches, drone demonstrations, archery competitions and photography exhibits running Wednesday afternoon, 1-5 p.m. There will also be a payload building station for children, with the contents launched in a high altitude balloon at 8:15 a.m. on June 28.
The event is being presented with support and representation from the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Wanapum, Spokane Tribe and other tribes planning to attend.
The NASA Inter-Tribal Pow Wow will honor the traditions of the Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest through song, dance, food and games, while offering the chance for those young and old to engage in fun activities to learn science in a culturally relevant way.
A pow wow—derived from the Narragansett word powwaw meaning “spiritual leader”—has historically been a gathering of North America’s Native people. More modern pow wows have become a cultural celebration for Native American and First Nations people to meet, dance, sing, socialize and honor their cultures.
This event offers an opportunity for the public to come together, meet with NASA scientists, meet old friends and make new ones, while celebrating culture and heritage.