Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: News

Media Credit: John Brumbaugh/Staff Photographer Dancers await their grand entry at the 19th annual Central Michigan University Contest Powwow on Saturday afternoon in Rose Arena. [Click to enlarge]

[Click to enlarge]

American Indian Tribes from around the country united for Central Michigan University's 19th annual powwow this weekend in Rose Arena.

Colleen Green, interim director of Native American Programs, said the tribes in attendance came from as far as Canada, Wisconsin and even Arizona.

"This event allows people from all over to get in touch with diversity and heritage at CMU," Green said.

Ontario resident Shannon White said powwows are a way for native peoples to connect with each other.

"Powwows are a way to express our culture," she said. "They consist of different nations enjoying each others company while showcasing different styles of dance and music."

White said she and her family attend powwows regularly to meet other family members.

"Today, I will be able to see my sister from Wisconsin," she said.

The powwow began by showcasing the groups of drummers and dancers, with the drum and dance competition afterwards.

Thirteen five-member drum groups were judged based upon three criteria: performance, how they care for the drum and their presentation.

"The event brought out a nice mix of students, and community and tribal members," said Clark Lake junior Charlie Bullinger, president of the North American Indigenous Students Organization.

The organization was in charge of the volunteers, contacting vendors and advertising.

"This is a great event for CMU to be a part of," Bullinger said. "It is important for students to be knowledgeable of the native culture around them."

Mount Pleasant junior Priscilla Lundquist came to the event for extra credit.

"My Native American cultures class was offering extra credit for anyone that comes to the powwow and writes a paper about their experience," Lundquist said.

Lundquist said that she enjoyed the event.

"It is really cool to see people of all ages come out," she said. "From the littlest child to the grandparents, everyone participated."

Lundquist also acknowledged the relationship between CMU and American Indian culture.

"I think that this is a great event for CMU students to attend," Lundquist said. "Especially, because of the university's close ties with the Saginaw-Chippewa Tribe."



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