UCSC Powwow: Sophia Robles-Garcia Memorial Powwow 2026

Traditionally, the AIRC hosts an annual event called Indigefest during the spring quarter. Our annual event celebrates the culture, songs, dances, and arts of Indigenous people in a “pan-tribal” atmosphere of fellowship, trust, respect, and empowerment. . Through this event, we also celebrate the life of Sophia Garcia Robles, a Native woman who served UCSC for 27 years in the Financial Aid office. She was actively involved with American Indian communities, and we wish to demonstrate our deepest appreciation for her support. This year, the AIRC will reach a larger audience in the greater Santa Cruz and Monterey communities by hosting a pow wow at the Kaiser Permanente Arena in downtown Santa Cruz. Vendors from throughout the State of California will be present with cultural items for sale, dancers will contest dance for prize money, and the recipients of the E. A, Forssgren Scholarship will be recognized for their achievement. The UCSC Pow Wow 2026 will be a unique opportunity for UCSC students and affiliates to engage directly with and celebrate Native American cultures.

The event will be open to the public, supporting the AIRC’s mission of serving as a vital link between UCSC students/staff/faculty/affiliates and the local American Indian community. This project will generate positive visibility for the University as it demonstrates a commitment to the values of the institution – for example, those outlined in our Principles of Community.
This project will directly serve the Native American/First Nations/indigenous communities within the city of Santa Cruz and throughout the greater Monterey Bay Area. Specifically, it will serve Native students, yet it is inclusive of all identities as pow wows are considered gatherings where individuals of many different backgrounds are welcome.