KNOXVILLE -- In the Cherokee language, "anadasgisi" means "they are gathering."

The Native American Student Association (NASA) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are hosting "Anadasgisi -- The Gathering of International Natives," a traditional powwow featuring performers from across the globe on April 8 and 9 at various locations around UT campus.

The event will begin on Friday, April 8 at 6:45 p.m. in the Humanities Amphitheater with an open discussion with Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, followed by a presentation of the Aztec Fire Dance. The event will continue on Saturday, April 9 at 10:15 a.m. with the Grand Entry of Performers in Circle Park. The day ends with a performance from the Samoan Fire Dancers at 8 p.m. 

Admission to "Anadasgisi" is free and open to the public.

Native American culture celebrates through the arts -- dancing, singing, music, cooking, story-telling and more. Traditional dancers will be representing the natives of the North and Central Americas and the natives of the Polynesian Islands.

"We hope that each person who attends Anadasgisi expands their knowledge of other cultures," said Carly Hill, vice president of NASA. "We hope that the students and faculty take away an appreciation of cultures different from their own and a hunger to learn more about these fascinating ways of life."

With performances throughout the day, the audience will be able to experience the fascinating cultures of the Aztec, Samoan, Tahitian, Hawaiian and several other tribes of Native Americans. The audience also will be able to enjoy traditional native foods and explore booths from native vendors featuring traditional arts and crafts. Never before have so many cultures and student organizations united to host such an event, says NASA.

This event is co-sponsored by the University of North Carolina, the United Residence Hall Council, the Cultural Attractions Committee, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Western Band of Cherokee Indians, the Office of Minority Student Affairs, Amnesty at UT and Ready for the World.