Honoring Native Youth at the Eastside Native American Education Program Powwow

For the past 27 years, the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP) has hosted an annual Powwow, a vibrant celebration of Native culture featuring singing, dancing, drumming and community gathering. This year’s Powwow, held on Saturday, October 25, at Juanita High School, embraced the theme “Honoring Our Youth,” lifting up the excellence and leadership of Native students.

One of the most significant traditions at a Powwow is the selection of Head Man and Head Woman, roles chosen by the community to represent and guide the event. These positions are a high honor, recognizing leadership, cultural pride and service to others. For the ENAEP Powwow, the Head Man and Head Woman not only represent the program but also their families and tribal communities.

This year, the positions of Head Man and Head Women were both Lake Washington School District students. Camden Balkman, a freshman at Lake Washington High School, held the honor of Head Man while Anastasia Kanakasabesan (Hihtoo), a senior at Eastlake High School, was proud to represent as Head Woman. Both students led the event, welcomed everyone, danced Two Starts in the Powwow Circle, started out every Intertribal dance, sponsored two Specials and inspired younger generations as they stepped into new phases of leadership.

“Being part of this program since elementary age, I have seen Head Women growing up and been able to embrace my indigeneity,” said Hihtoo about the experience. “And since it is my senior year, being Head Woman is kind of like a cherry on top. I am now much more confident and embrace my indigeneity and see other kids in the elementary program go on that journey as well.”

The Powwow included a Veterans Dinner and the Grand Entry, bringing together Indigenous groups from across Washington state to honor veterans and celebrate culture.

These students and the Powwow experience showcase our students’ ability to participate in inclusive events that raise social awareness and show a commitment to civic responsibility.