Powwow at Rose Arena to display Saginaw Chippewa culture

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Native American culture will be on display this weekend in Rose Arena at the 20th annual Saginaw Chippewa Powwow.

Paw Paw junior Abby Crouse is attending the event with her roommate and is looking forward to learning more about a culture she is unfamiliar with.

“I am kind of excited to see a little more about the culture and how they operate,” she said.

The event runs from Saturday and Sunday and is open to the public. Admission is between $5 and $7, depending on age, and is free to students with a valid I.D.

Ben Ramirez, associate professor of history, sees the powwow as a time for new beginnings.

“It’s spring time, so the powwow comes around and it is a time for renewal,” he said.

The powwow is a celebration that encompasses Native American song, dance and drum performances.

The event is a social gathering that also has ceremonial aspects to it. Participants who decide to compete in the contests during the event will be awarded up to $3,000.

“The beautiful songs and the incredible regalia of people showcase the dress and customs of the old ways and you can see that these were real people that have been here for thousands of years,” Ramirez said.

The Native American Scholastic Award will be given to three qualifying students on Sunday.

The scholarship requires students to submit a resume and an essay that describes plans to enhance education of Native Americans.

The award has four different categories and anyone can apply for it.

Colleen Green, director of Native American programs, said the number of applicants varies from year to year.

The categories award incoming freshman, continuing CMU students, non-traditional students (older than 25) and students seeking master’s degrees. The deadline for the scholarship depends on the date of the powwow.

Denise Green, associate vice president for institutional diversity, believes that the powwow will offer students a unique view into the cultural world of Native Americans.

“Often times, students don’t have an opportunity to see up close the Native American culture,” she said. “It’s an excellent way to learn about the culture, not just from a book, but from the people themselves.”

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