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Celebration Kicks Off with Midwinter Powwow and Black Elk Mass

BISMARCK, ND — The ���˲ؾ��� invites the public and media to participate in its annual Life and Dignity Week celebration, a week-long series of events honoring the sanctity and dignity of human life. The celebration begins Sunday, January 19, 2025, with the vibrant Midwinter Powwow and Black Elk Mass, setting the tone for a week dedicated to education, faith, and community.

Sunday, January 19: Midwinter Powwow and Black Elk Mass

The week’s events commence with the Midwinter Powwow in the McDowell Activity Center (MAC) on campus. The Powwow will feature two grand entries: the first at 1 p.m. and the second at 6 p.m. This celebration honors the dignity and heritage of Native American peoples through music, dance, and community. Attendees can enjoy a Buffalo Feed at the Crow’s Nest from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., with admission included in the $5 entry fee for those aged five to 65. Admission is free for individuals with IDs from the ���˲ؾ���, Bismarck State College, and United Tribes Technical College. A Powwow 101 session will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Starion Lower Living Room of the Lumen Vitae University Center (LVUC), offering an introduction to the traditions and cultural significance of the Powwow.

The evening concludes with the Black Elk Mass at 8 p.m. in Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel. This special Mass honors Nicholas Black Elk, a “Servant of God” renowned for his deep faith and service as a catechist. Black Elk, a member of the Oglala Lakota people, dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and was instrumental in bridging faith and culture.

Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King Day

Life and Dignity Week continues Monday with a Martin Luther King Day observance during the 10 a.m. Monday Morning Mission in the Starion Living Room of the LVUC. Derrick Dixon will deliver an inspiring talk reflecting on the legacy of Dr. King and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. 

Tuesday, January 21: Film Screening “Hidden Figures”

The Black Student Union and Mission for Life co-sponsor a screening of the critically acclaimed film “Hidden Figures” at 6 p.m. in the Gary Tharaldson School of Business (GTSB) Butler Auditorium. The film highlights the lives of three African American women whose work at NASA was pivotal during the early days of space exploration.

Wednesday, January 22: Community Learning Day

Community Learning Day features a keynote address at 10 a.m. in Founders Hall by Dr. Greg Bottaro, who will discuss “Mental Health and Integration in Catholic Higher Education.” Following his keynote, Dr. Bottaro will join Dr. James Link at 11 a.m. for an interview-style presentation, “An Integrated Vision for Mental Health.” The afternoon includes breakout sessions at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., featuring topics such as “The State of Human Trafficking in America” by Stacy Schaffer of the 31:8 Project and “Can Christians Call Themselves Feminist?” by Dr. Lauren Emmel.

 Friday, January 24: March for Life and Hour of Prayer for Life

The week concludes with the national March for Life in Washington, D.C. The ���˲ؾ��� will send approximately 285 students and faculty—one of its largest contingents ever—on a 60-hour round trip to participate in the annual pro-life event. For those remaining on campus, an Hour of Prayer for Life will take place at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Word Chapel.

Life and Dignity Week is a cornerstone event at the ���˲ؾ���, embodying the university’s commitment to honoring human dignity and fostering a culture of life. The events are free and open to the public.

For more information about the Midwinter Powwow, visit umary.edu/powwow.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the ���˲ؾ��� can do so at www.umary.edu or  , or by contacting an admissions representative at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030. The ���˲ؾ��� is one of only 15 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US. 

���˲ؾ��� the ���˲ؾ���: True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the ���˲ؾ��� offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the ���˲ؾ��� welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers over 60 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.