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CORVALLIS - Performers from as far as Canada will be featured at Oregon State University's 22nd annual Spring Pow Wow at Gill Coliseum on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17.

Festivities, which are free and open to the public, are organized by OSU's Native American Student Organization. Doors open at 10 a.m. each day. For information, contact the OSU Native American Longhouse, 541-737-2738.

Grand entry celebrations are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and at noon on Sunday. The grand entry is the featured dance of a pow wow, used to bring in the dancers. It is led by the color guard and goes around in a circle and loops until all dancers are in the arena.

The spring pow wow is a place for the American Indian people to be as one, not separate tribes, said Linda Paschke of OSU Student Involvement. Host drum for the pow wow is Seekaskootch from Alberta, Canada.

Each dance has special meaning, Paschke pointed out. Traditional dances are grounded performances where dancers imitate being a scout, walking down a trail, or another activity. The steps are passed down from generation to generation. Fancy dances are off the ground, fast and furious, but all the dances represent a holistic, spiritual approach to life, she added.

Master of ceremonies is Bob Tom from Siletz, whip woman is Pat Darcy, Lame Deer, Mont., and arena director is David West, Grants Pass.