American Indians from throughout the continent will converge at Arizona Stadium Saturday and Sunday for the third annual Wildcat Pow Wow.

The Pow Wow, which kicks off at 10 a.m. both days, is sponsored by the university student group Tribal People United.

TPU co-president Cheryl Francis said the group was founded by Lynn Blackhorse specifically to conduct Pow Wows.

"We put it on to help inform the community and the students at the UA about our culture and heritage," Francis said.

Events at the Pow Wow will include dance competitions and drum playing contests, as well as food and arts and crafts booths.

TPU's mission is to unite the more than 50 tribal cultures of American Indian students at the university and share their heritage with others.

Gourd dancing, which will play a significant role in the Pow Wow, is a spiritual ceremony started by the Kiowa tribe in the 1800s. It was part of the Kiowa sundance performed every summer, Francis said.

At the time, the government told the Kiowa tribe not to perform the ceremony, allowing them only to practice the gourd dancing. Only outstanding Indians in the community, such as warriors and spiritual leaders, perform the ceremony, which usually involves the elder men of the group. Women also join in and dance on the fringes of the circle.

"The Pow Wow is a social gathering, but it is an opportunity for all cultures to come and see what it's all about," said Francis.

She said she was surprised that a lot of non-American Indian people she talked to had no idea what a powwow was.

"We are happy to show our heritage, and anyone who wants to come is welcome," she said.

TPU invites everyone to participate in their "circle," a dance arena where various cultures come together to dance, sing, rejoice and celebrate.

Francis said the number of spectators grow every year. She estimates between 5,000 and 6,000 people will attend the Pow Wow this weekend. General admission is $4 per day.