Instructor: Jancita Warrington

No image available Biography:


Jancita Warrington serves as the executive director of Native American affairs for the state of Kansas. She was born and raised on the Menominee Reservation in northern Wisconsin. She descends from the Menominee, Potawatomi and Ho-Chunk Nations. Jancita holds an undergraduate degree in American Indian Studies and degrees in tribal law and policy and cultural preservation/museum management from the University of Kansas.



She has used her education to work politically on a broad range of national issues with a particular focus on strengthening the sovereignty of Tribal Nations. She has served as both a tribal council member and as the National Graves and Repatriation (NAGPRA) official. In 2013 she was named a recipient of the National Center for American Indian Economic Development 40 under 40 achievement award.



Jancita has served in various public service positions throughout her career, including as the Haskell Cultural Center & Museum director and as the Indigenous consultant for the University of Kansas' Lied Center on an Andrew W. Mellon grant. In 2019, she received the Phoenix Award from the City of Lawrence as an outstanding cultural arts educator.

Classes by this instructor


Powwow 101 and KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival

Learn about the history and traditions of a Native powwow with Jancita Warrington, the KU Powwow director. We'll learn about powwow etiquette, the cultural significance of patterns and colors in regalia, different styles of powwow dancing and more. Then, on Saturday morning, we'll meet back at the St. Andrews classroom for a lunch catered by The Native Chef, Jason Champagne, and a deeper dive into the beauty and symbolism of Native powwow regalia as worn by dancers participating in the day's event. Parking at the powwow is extremely limited so we'll provide bus transportation to and from the Lied Center to attend the annual KU Powwow and Indigenous Cultures Festival. Please note that seating at the powwow is also limited, so please bring a folding chair. Includes Powwow 101 class, catered lunch, transportation to and from powwow and regalia fashion presentations.
April 8-11, 2026, Osher Institute, St. Andrews Office Facility In Person