IMPORTANT
IPU Retreat: BAIC's 49th Annual Powwow @ Timonium Fairgrounds
Want to go to a Powwow? Sign up to ride with the IPU!
Saturday, November 15, 2025 · 2 - 6 PM
Off Campus
Ever been to a Powwow? Want to? Have a free Saturday? Need a ride?
Come join the Indigenous Peoples' Union at the Annual Timonium Powwow! As part of our initiative of bridging on and off-campus relationships, we're offering transportation to the annual powwow hosted by the Baltimore American Indian Center! This will be the 49th year that the center has hosted their annual powwow, marking 49 years of sacred intertribal celebrations of life, heritage, and community! We're excited to honor these traditions with sharing food, dances, and just spending time with one another.
We can offer seats for up to 12 people (not exclusive to students, all are welcome). Because space is limited, we ask that if you sign-up that you commit to your reservation. If something happens and you can no longer attend then please reach out and let us know as soon as possible so that others may also have a chance to ride! If there is enough demand, then we will reserve another van to bring another group of 12, updates will be delivered through our MyUMBC and other socials.
Payment Process
[Updated] Per the generosity of The Gathering Space, we have received funding to pay for your entry tickets. This will be for the riders who are signed up only, no extra steps needed! We send our gratitude to The Gathering Space and their long-standing support.
What is a Powwow?
A Powwow (sometimes written as pow-wow or pow wow), is a sacred gathering of Indigenous peoples from diverse backgrounds. It marks a celebration of Indigenous heritage, of the ancestors, and of the land, all through a day of dance, food, and togetherness that fosters a sense of spiritual and communal wellbeing. Powwow, as a term, is often misused by non-natives to refer to any social gathering, misappropriating sacred connotations and erasing important histories/cultures. As this particular event is open to the public, it's important to understand the history, purpose, and especially the proper etiquette expected! We'll be in time for one of the grand entry ceremonies at 4PM, take a look at the schedule here.
What should I bring?
We will be at the fairgrounds for about 3 hours. Here are some things we recommend to make sure your time at the Powwow is comfortable, smooth, and stress-free.
- Cash -- Food is available at the Powwow but is cash-only. There is an ATM in the building but you'll be charged a small fee for using it (if not in your bank's network). If you plan to buy from the artisans, some accept credit/debit but just bring extra cash in case they don't.
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Portable Charger
What about Public Transit?
If for whatever reason you'd like to go but need to take public transit, it's surprisingly easy! If you don't already, use the transit app to guide you.
Catch either the 76 ($2/ride) or the UMBC Shuttle (free) downtown and get off at the convention center stop. From there, get on the Light RailLink northbound (free), hop off at the Timonium Fairgrounds stop, and walk a few minutes to the exhibition hall.
Address: 2200 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093 at the Exhibition Hall
Once signed, you'll be emailed a waiver. Please check your email often and ensure that you're able to attend before signing.
Questions, Comments, or Concerns
Post is open for public comments but if there are any private matters then you can email me at c280@umbc.edu.