Case will go to trial on women's drum. (News).

Following a decision by Ramsey County Judge Louise Bjorkman denying a motion to dismiss a complaint against the University of St. Thomas, the school has cancelled their annual powwow.

A civil complaint was brought by Sweetgrass Road Drum Group in December 2001. The group alleges discrimination, having not been allowed to sing at the drum at the November 2001 St. Thomas powwow because they. are women.

The singers drove from Winnipeg to participate after being allowed to sing at the 2000 powwow.

"The university is canceling the powwow because of this unresolved litigation and because we are unwilling to sponsor an event that is inconsistent with the traditions and sacred beliefs held by members of the powwow committee and the broader American Indian community," said Dr. Judith Dwyer, executive Vice-President of St. Thomas in a released statement.

The St. Thomas powwow committee contends the "Woodlands policy" prohibits women from singing at the drum. Sweetgrass singer Ravin Hart-Bellecourt argues that St. Thomas holds a public, inter-tribal powwow that doesn't represent Indian Country.

"I feel sad to hear they cancelled, but at the same time, we gave them a lot of time to phone us to let us know [not to come]. They basically set us up. It makes even more of a division in Indian Country. People think we went in and said, 'Let us sing or we're suing you', but we just went to a powwow," Hart-Bellecourt said.

St. Thomas spokesman Jim Winterer, explained why the 14-year annual event was cancelled.

"If you're being sued, and then do it again, they could re-sue. They could come down and replay, and we're open to another lawsuit."

Another reason he gave is that people from all over are watching this case.

"People were wondering if they'll be sued," He said.

"We don't set the rules, we support the committee. We're not trying to pass the buck. How presumptuous: These white guys at a Catholic university making the decision. If we've learned anything, it's cultural respect."

Long time powwow organizer Phil St. John agrees with the decision made by the committee.

"I don't care where you put the drum; I don't care where you go. Women don't sit at the drum. It's a fact. Why should we have to verify that?"

St. John attends the powwow and considers the cancellation a loss for Elders unable to travel to other powwows.

"It's wiped out our last good powwow."

Ona Kingbird, cultural teacher at Heart of the Earth school, believes the women should have been allowed to sing. There are two drums, said Kingbird. Traditional drums given by spirits and soldier's drum or the social drum.

"I know in the Midawin Lodge women sing on the drum. I have pounded and sang on this drum. A 105-year-old Elder was conducting the ceremony and if there would have been anything wrong, he would have stopped the ladies."

While she believes women can sit at the drum, Kingbird set some rules.

"I have drums over 200 years old given by my father, who was a medicine man. I don't pound on them. Only men pound on that drum. I would advise [women] not to sing, traditional songs, but social songs," said Kingbird. "There are, so many tribes with so many traditions. I'm an Elder, 65 years old. I would not tell anyone not to [sing]."

At a hearing in early March, St. Thomas university, lawyer Phyllis Karasov argued the dismissal of the complaint based on the First Amendment--free speech and freedom of religion.

The motion was denied because the powwow is not protected speech; the St. Thomas auditorium is a public place; and the claim wouldn't create entanglement with St. Thomas' religious matters.

A trial is scheduled for March 10, 2003.