March 4, 2025
Written by Quindrea Yazzie in collaboration with MCC Institutional Advancement
Read the full story on Mesa Community College’s website.
MESA, Arizona — March 4, 2025 — Native American dancers, drummers, authentic food and crafts are just a few highlights of the Thunderbird Social Pow Wow being hosted by the Mesa Community College (MCC) Inter-Tribal Student Organization (ISO) and American Indian Institute. The celebration will be Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the practice soccer field near the John D. Riggs Stadium on the MCC Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave. Gourd Dances will occur at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. with Grand Entry of dancers at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Thunderbird Pow Wow is a signature cultural event that celebrates Indigenous nations from across the country, drawing up to 500 attendees. The gathering provides a platform to showcase Indigenous cultures in an educational setting, offering students, faculty and the broader community an opportunity to engage with and learn about traditions they may not be familiar with.
Continue reading on Mesa Community College’s website.
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Working in the Maricopa Community Colleges’ marketing and communications team has given me the opportunity to do what I love—amplify the voices of students and share stories that matter. Collaborating on press releases and public information feels natural to me, especially when I can offer cultural insight to ensure stories are told with care and authenticity. As a Diné communicator, I take pride in helping highlight diverse experiences, particularly those of Indigenous students, whose stories are often underrepresented. Being part of this work reminds me why I chose this field—to inform, uplift, and connect communities.
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