The Fort Lewis College Powwow Circle elected new officers on Sept. 11 as the student organization started to plan for events and to revive the college’s drum group.
The FLC Powwow Circle was established in spring of 2026 by co-founders Melody Eisenberger, adventure education student, and sociology student Unique McCook as a place to give students a space to learn and to practice powwow dancing together, no matter the expertise or background, said McCook.
“Workshops are focused on the beginning steps. So if you’ve never danced before, if this is your first time ever, coming to the workshop. Our drop in practices are more meant if you're just wanting to come stop by and dance for a little bit, come get a couple rounds in,” Eisenberger said.
The Powwow Circle offers workshops, drop-in practices, and bookings each week. After Oct. 4, drop-in practices are every Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and every Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., said Eisenberger.
“The Powwow Circle welcomes anyone and everyone, no matter the background. You don’t need every possible thing to your regalia at that moment. When you come to drop-in practices, just bring yourself and a water bottle. That’s literally all you need,” McCook said.
Currently music is played through bluetooth speakers during workshops and practices.The Powwow Circle is working to change that by working with The Native American Center to repair a powwow drum. The drum will later be put under the Powwow Circle Registered Student Organization in hopes of re-establishing a drum group at FLC, said Eisenberger.
“I think having a real drum for our practices and our events will really make a difference for all of our students,” said Eisenberger.
Sociology student Helania Taylor, who is also the event coordinator, is in charge of planning events for the Powwow Circle.
The Powwow Circle will have a Social Powwow and Round Dance at 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Student Union Ballroom.
“We wanted to bring awareness to our Indigenous community here at Fort Lewis and give them a sense of home,” said Taylor.
