Edmonds Community College’s Native American Student Association will host its 31st annual powwow, “Honoring Mother Bear,” on Saturday and Sunday May 7-8. The powwow brings together students, families and communities to celebrate American Indian singing, drumming, dancing and art.

It will be held in Seaview Gym on campus, located at 20000 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood.

Dance and drum grand entries start at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

This event is free and open to the public. This is a contest powwow — all dancers and drums welcome.

This year, musician and educator Arlie Neskahi, of the Dine’ (Navajo) Nation of New Mexico, is the master of ceremonies. He is well known for his performance, composition, and knowledge of traditional music. The college also welcomes arena director, Robert Charles; head men’s dancer, Daryl Douglas Jr.; head women’s dancer, Carol Emarthle-Douglas; and host drum. The host drum will be selected at each grand entry.

The college is committed to providing culturally enriching educational opportunities throughout the event through traditional storytellers, elder performances and traditional foods.

Powwows are social gatherings — open to all people — celebrating American Indian tribes’ traditions, styles of dance, songs, families and friendships. Dancers and drummers come to the college’s powwow from tribes throughout the Northwest and United States, including locally from the Muckleshoot, Lummi, Puyallup and Suquamish tribes.

In addition to hosting the annual powwow, students and employees participate in a variety of environmental, service-learning and cultural activities throughout the year that supports local tribes and tribal members.