UC Davis' annual round of cultural celebrations begins this weekend with the 36th annual Powwow, which leads into Native American Culture Days; and the folklórico dance troupe Danzantes del Alma's annual show.

The Powwow, returning after a two-year absence, is presented by the Native American Student Union and co-sponsored by Natives Empowered Though Unity and Education.

The Powwow is scheduled for April 5, with Native American Culture Days to follow from April 7 to 11.

Organizers said the weeklong event is designed to educate the campus and community about the social, cultural and political issues facing the Native American community, while celebrating the traditions and contributions of Native Americans.

Also, "Native American Culture Days serve as a reminder that UC Davis is built upon native lands, Patwin land specifically," a news release states.

Details on these three events:

POWWOW

THEME: "Many Nations, One Community"

WHEN: 9 a.m.-midnight April 5

WHERE: Pavilion, Activities and Recreation Center

ADMISSION: Free

Grand entries are scheduled at noon and 6 p.m., each with flag song and invocation. The powwow's other highlights include gourd dancing, intertribal social dances, Pomo Dancers, tiny tots and juniors contests, arts and crafts vendors, and an Indian taco booth.

MORE INFORMATION: (530) 752-6656 or nas.ucdavis.edu

NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE DAYS

THEME: "Empowering Community Through Tradition and Education"

WHEN: April 7-11

ADMISSION: All events are free and open to the campus community and public, with the exception of a community dinner, which is by invitation only.

Partial listing of events:

All week — "Good Eats from Indian Country," special Native lunch menu, Silo Pub & Cafe; plus grab-and-go items at the Silo

April 7 — Nations in Motion: A Native Film Festival, including My Name is Kahentiiosta, Beyond the Mesas and When Your Hands are Tied, 5-9 p.m., Silo Pub & Cafe

April 9 — Native Foods Demonstration and Tasting, 6-8 p.m., Silo Pub & Cafe

April 11 — California basket weaving, noon-1 p.m., 3201 Hart Hall; Sunset Ceremony, featuring the Lake County Pomo Dancing Group, Putah Creek Firepit and Lodge

The schedule also includes three Native American studies faculty lectures, all from noon to 1 p.m. in 3201 Hart Hall:

April 7 — Martha Macri: "California Indian Languages"

April 8 — Julia Coates, Edward Valandra and H.J. Tsinhnahjinnie: "Tribes and Enrollment"

April 9 — Steve Crum: "California Indian Education Pre-1969"

MORE INFORMATION: (530) 752-4606 or rbmandel@ucdavis.edu

DANZANTES DEL ALMA

THEME: "Orgullo y pasión fluyen por nuestras venas; bailando cruzamos fronteras" (Pride and passion flow in our veins; dancing we cross borders)

WHEN: 7 p.m April 5

WHERE: Freeborn Hall

TICKETS: Campus box office, Freeborn Hall

In the student troupe's 31st year, organizers said Danzantes del Alma will present dances from seven regions of Mexico: Baja California, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Tabasco and Tamaulipas.

MORE CELEBRATIONS

Spring quarter also brings these cultural celebrations, with two other popular events sprinkled in:

Picnic Day — April 19, 94th annual celebration of all things UC Davis. Parade, 9 a.m, followed by entertainment, department exhibits, animal shows and much more. More information: picnicday@ucdavis.edu or picnicday.ucdavis.edu.

Asian Pacific Culture Week — April 21-25. Highlights: Kickoff on the Quad and Culture Night talent showcase. More information: (530) 752-4936, apcw@ucdavis.edu or spac.ucdavis.edu/programs/apcw.

La Raza Cultural Days — April 28-May 3. Highlights: Kickoff on the Quad, youth outreach and empowerment conferences; art exhibits; performing artists; seminars; films; and talent show. The week culminates with the daylong La Gran Tardeada, May 3 on the Quad, open to the community with no admission charge. La Gran Tardeada will feature a children's fair, health fair, community run, entertainment, exhibits and traditional foods. More information: lrcd@ucdavis.edu or spac.ucdavis.edu/programs/lrcd.

Whole Earth Festival — "Mending Our Web," noon-10 p.m. May 9, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. May 10 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. May 11, Quad. More information: wef.ucdavis.edu.

Black Family Week — May 12-18. Highlights: Kickoff on the Quad; lectures; student performances; Black Family Day (May 17), an all-day festival featuring art exhibits, a wine and jazz social, food vendors, health fair, entertainment and a children's fair; and the Stompfest (1 p.m. May 18, Freeborn Hall). More information: (530) 752-4936 or spac.ucdavis.edu/programs/bfw.