The rhythm of drums and dancers is coming to Maricopa Elementary School next month.

The school’s PTO will host a social powwow May 2 as both a fundraiser and social event on the school grounds, 18150 N. Alterra Pkwy. It’s also the first of its kind in Maricopa in years, according to PTO president and head event organizer Tylor Arthur.

“I heard like people talk about it being here a while ago … When I became president, I thought to myself, ‘Let’s try this, let’s see how this goes and let’s see if it’s possible,’” she told InMaricopa.

A member of the Navajo Nation, Arthur has been dancing in powwows since she could walk and is currently a jingle dress dancer. She saw this not only as an opportunity to share Indigenous culture with her Maricopa neighbors, but to also show support for students.

“I wanted to do this for the kids because I do see a lot of Native students. I thought it would be fun for them to really embrace their culture, to enjoy themselves and to not be ashamed of where they come from or who they are,” she said.

The powwow begins at 10 a.m. with a gourd dance, followed by grand entry — the main event — at noon. It repeats with dances scheduled to begin again at 4 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs for seating. 

Between dances and songs, visitors can also browse arts and craft vendors, as well as enjoy Native food. The PTO is still accepting applications for vendors to sell arts and crafts at the event.

Arthur hopes the powwow is something the community looks forward to attending.

“I’m excited to share this with our community,” she said. “It’s kind of like a piece of our heart that we’re showing to others.”

For more information or to become a vendor, contact the Diamondbacks PTO at [email protected].