Powwow to ‘welcome’ everyone

“Everyone is welcome” at the 14th Annual Powwow this weekend in Rose Arena.

This year’s theme is “kina gwa gwaya daa-bizhaa,” which means everyone is welcome.

“Powwow is the biggest Native American cultural celebration that CMU has and it’s free to students, offering a fun and festive atmosphere,” said Lisa Tiger, director of Native American Programs.

The Grand Entries, where all the dancers and drummers enter, take place at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The event starts at 11 a.m. both days, and ends at 9 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. A break will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

American Indian traders, art and educational exhibits are just some of the attractions. The Clark Historical Library and the College of Extended Learning will have educational booths, including a computer program called Virtual Powwow.

The Ziibiwing Cultural Society will have a display of the new cultural center for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Reservation, said Todd Williamson, CMU Native American Programs associate director.

“There is a rich, cultural history and the Powwow provides a small glimpse of that for students and allows them to step out of their comfort zone,” Williamson said.

Participants are from all over Michigan and the country, mainly from the Great Lakes area including some of the Saginaw tribe members. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the event.

This year’s event is traditional, instead of the competitive powwows of the last few years. The difference between a traditional and competitive powwow is traditional powwow exhibits dancing instead of judging dancing.

Students are playing a large role in this year’s event, Williamson said.

“The North American Indian Student Organization plays a big role in planning the event, they do a lot of work setting up and volunteering at the Powwow,” he said.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth ages 5 to 12 and free to senior citizens 60 and older, CMU students, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe members and children 4 and under.

The event is sponsored by the North American Indian Student Organization, Native American Programs, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Minority Student Services and other departments.