By Rachel Munson

Every year the Bemidji State University’s Council of Indian Students host a Powwow where renowned dancers from across the nation are invited to attend in celebration of American Indian culture. National-competitor and contemporary style fancy shawl dancer Patricia Bugg, BSU junior exercise science major, is often among them.

“The powwow here is what we call a traditional powwow, where everyone comes together to dance and have a good time,” Bugg said. “I love those kinds of powwows because you can just dance and you don’t have to worry about anything.”

The onset of COVID-19 in Minnesota postponed the spring 2020 powwow just a week before it was scheduled to be held.

“I really wanted to dance and represent BSU to all who would have attended,” Bugg said. “There are so many emotions when we come together. Many people sing and dance for healing in many aspects of their lives.”

Though the pandemic postponed or canceled numerous opportunities to celebrate her culture, Bugg’s ties to Bemidji State and the community keep her connected to her heritage.

Bugg, who grew up in Bemidji, began dancing when she was seven years old and has danced at the CIS powwow for many years. A member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe in South Dakota, Bugg enjoys balancing her Dakota ancestry with the Ojibwe cultures and traditions of her hometown.

“I’ve learned all of the Ojibwe traditions and I have learned some of my Dakota traditions, as well,” she said. “It’s been good for me and dancing is everything to me. I love it and I just hope to continue doing it.”

Energized by her dancing, Bugg is pursuing a future in exercise science to help those struggling with obesity and diseases caused by the lack of healthy lifestyle options or education. With this is mind, she is focused on becoming a personal trainer or fitness instructor to help those who need it.

“Native Americans have a higher rate of obesity and diabetes, both of which are truly devastating to communities,” Bugg said. “I want to get my masters in exercise physiology so I can determine the best possible exercise and fitness regime for those who suffer from chronic diseases.”

In addition to her pursuit of an exercise science degree, Bugg has declared a minor in psychology. Though she admitted to struggling in her first semesters at Bemidji State, the mother of three is on track to graduate in the spring of 2021 and looks forward to joining a number of her siblings as a Bemidji State alumna.

“We’re a family of beavers,” she laughed. “One of my sisters graduated in 2011 and two of my sisters graduated last spring. It’s a tradition to go Bemidji State for my family and I have worked so hard to be here, stay here and graduate from here.”

very year the Bemidji State University’s Council of Indian Students host a Powwow where renowned dancers from across the nation are invited to attend in celebration of American Indian culture. National-competitor and contemporary style fancy shawl dancer Patricia Bugg, BSU junior exercise science major, is often among them.

“The powwow here is what we call a traditional powwow, where everyone comes together to dance and have a good time,” Bugg said. “I love those kinds of powwows because you can just dance and you don’t have to worry about anything.”

The onset of COVID-19 in Minnesota postponed the spring 2020 powwow just a week before it was scheduled to be held.

“I really wanted to dance and represent BSU to all who would have attended,” Bugg said. “There are so many emotions when we come together. Many people sing and dance for healing in many aspects of their lives.”

Though the pandemic postponed or canceled numerous opportunities to celebrate her culture, Bugg’s ties to Bemidji State and the community keep her connected to her heritage.

Bugg, who grew up in Bemidji, began dancing when she was seven years old and has danced at the CIS powwow for many years. A member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe in South Dakota, Bugg enjoys balancing her Dakota ancestry with the Ojibwe cultures and traditions of her hometown.

“I’ve learned all of the Ojibwe traditions and I have learned some of my Dakota traditions, as well,” she said. “It’s been good for me and dancing is everything to me. I love it and I just hope to continue doing it.”

Energized by her dancing, Bugg is pursuing a future in exercise science to help those struggling with obesity and diseases caused by the lack of healthy lifestyle options or education. With this is mind, she is focused on becoming a personal trainer or fitness instructor to help those who need it.

“Native Americans have a higher rate of obesity and diabetes, both of which are truly devastating to communities,” Bugg said. “I want to get my masters in exercise physiology so I can determine the best possible exercise and fitness regime for those who suffer from chronic diseases.”

In addition to her pursuit of an exercise science degree, Bugg has declared a minor in psychology. Though she admitted to struggling in her first semesters at Bemidji State, the mother of three is on track to graduate in the spring of 2021 and looks forward to joining a number of her siblings as a Bemidji State alumna.

“We’re a family of beavers,” she laughed. “One of my sisters graduated in 2011 and two of my sisters graduated last spring. It’s a tradition to go Bemidji State for my family and I have worked so hard to be here, stay here and graduate from here.”