For 36 years the Native American Student Association, known as Tiospaye, at The University of South Dakota hosts an annual pow-wow. A pow-wow is a traditional Native American gathering where the Native American heritage is celebrated. The pow-wow is intended for the community as well as the USD campus and is used as a learning tool to help better understand the Native American culture through a hands one experience. The pow-wow brings in all aspects of the Native American culture and exposes the community to all of its amazing elements. There are many events that take place at the pow-wow that help people learn more about the culture. Activities include Native American dancers, both male and female, that perform various dances. Also, a variety of drum groups come from different Tribes to play at the pow-wow in their native language. There will also be story tellers, which tell the story of the Native American people and heritage, Native American art work and traditional Native American meals will be served during the event. The planning of the 2008 USD Pow-wow has been in the works since the beginning of September and will continuously be worked on up through February when we look to have everything finalized for the pow-wow which will be on March 29th-30th This event is completely student run and is operated off of donations and through fundraising. Every year since it first started the pow-wow has grown in participants and in the number of people affected by it.