Since 1992, the North Carolina School of Math and Science has been making a name for itself among Native American communities for its powwows–intertribal gatherings that transform the school’s gymnasium into a boisterous celebration of pan-Indianism. The powwows are put on by the school’s Native American club, and they bring together dancers and musicians from more than two dozen tribes, including Cherokee, Lumbee (dancer Bo Goins depicted above), Coharie, Waccamaw-Siouan and more. Many dancers spend all winter designing their outfits and, because this is the first area powwow of the new year, will premiere them this Saturday, Feb. 17, at the event’s 1 p.m. “grand entry.” Dancing, singing and drumming goes on throughout the day and into the evening, with pauses to peruse displays of arts and crafts and to eat a Native American feast. Admission is $3, with an additional nominal fee if you indulge in the feast; children 5 and younger enter free. Call 286-3366 for details.
