BraveNation Powwow & Gathering
The BraveNation Powwow & Gathering demonstrates UNC Pembroke’s commitment to its historical mission of service to American Indian people, not only the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, but other Native nations and organizations in North Carolina and beyond. The gathering also promotes the success of UNC Pembroke’s American Indian students by creating a sense of on-campus community, increasing their affinity for the university and contributing to improving their retention and graduation rates.
Save the Date
The 2026 BraveNation Powwow and Gathering will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the Jones Athletic Center at the University of North Carolina Pembroke. Grand entry is at noon; doors open to the public at 10 a.m.
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Event Information
The admission prices are as follows:
- Adults: $5
- Alumni: $3
- Elders (60+): $3
- UNCP Students, Faculty, and Staff (with UNCP ID): Free
- Non-UNCP college students (with college ID): $3
- Ages 7-18: $3
- Children (6 and under): Free
The event will take place in the Jones Athletic Center at UNC Pembroke. The address is:
176 University Drive
Pembroke, NC 28372
Parking is free and located at the main entrance to the Jones Athletic Center.
Dancers will register the day of the powwow beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 11:30am. There is no dancer registration fee, but you will be asked to pay the $5 admission fee.
Dancer Categories & Prizes
Drum Contest: 1st: $500 2nd: $350 3rd: $200
Adult (18+): 1st: $200 2nd: $150 3rd: $100
- Men’s Traditional (Northern) | Women’s Traditional (Northern)
- Men’s Traditional (Southern) | Women’s Traditional (Southern)
- Men’s Fancy | Women’s Fancy
- Men’s Grass | Women’s Jingle
Teen (13-17): 1st: $100 2nd: $75 3rd: $50
- Men’s Traditional (Northern) | Women’s Traditional (Northern)
- Men’s Traditional (Southern) | Women’s Traditional (Southern)
- Men’s Fancy | Women’s Fancy
- Men’s Grass | Women’s Jingle
Junior (6-12): 1st: $75 2nd: $50 3rd: $25
- Boy’s Traditional | Girl’s Traditional
- Boy’s Fancy | Girl’s Fancy
- Boy’s Grass | Girl’s Jingle
Tiny Tot (5 and under): prizes
VENDOR REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2026!
Vendor registration is $50 (arts and crafts), $100 for Food vendors, and there is no cost for informational vendors. Interested vendors must complete the online registration. Please note that completing the vendor registration does not guarantee that you will be a vendor. Vendors will be approved based on items sold, and a limited number of vendor spaces will be available. You will receive an email notification if you are selected and confirmed as a vendor. Accepted vendors should have received an email from the powwow committee confirming registration.
Bag chairs and selling merchandise by non-approved vendors are not allowed. Vendors will be in the UNCP auxiliary gymnasium. Vendors will be provided with one 6 ft table and 2 chairs. Arts and crafts vendors will only be allowed to purchase up to 3 spots based upon availability. Informational vendors will only be allowed 1 table and 2 chairs.
If you have questions, please email powwow@uncp.edu or call 910.775.4663.
Powwow t-shirts will be available for purchase: $20 for adults and $15 for youth sizes.
Cash is preferred, but we will accept credit/debit cards.
Get Involved
Sponsorships
If you are interested in a sponsorship, please contact Francine Cummings at francine.cummings@uncp.edu.
Checks or money orders can be made payable to: UNC Pembroke with BraveNation Powwow and Gathering in the memo line and mailed to:
UNC Pembroke
Attn: American Indian Heritage Center
P.O. Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372
Donations
If you would like to make a tax-deductible gift. Gifts can be mailed to:
The UNCP Foundation
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372
Checks should be made out to The UNCP Foundation with the gift designation to Powwow in the memo line.
Volunteer Opportunities
Registration will open Spring 2026
Volunteers (UNCP student/faculty/staff) can sign up to assist with the setup and breakdown of the powwow as well as checking in attendees and other duties.
Have questions? Email powwow@uncp.edu.
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