ONAMIA - American Indian dancers in brightly colored regalia will take part in traditional dancing and drum ceremonies during the 48th annual Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe powwow, Friday through Sunday. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Band's powwow grounds located two miles north of Grand Casino Mille Lacs.
Each dance session will begin with a Grand Entry. This procession into the circle begins with the presentation of colors - the eagle staff, American flag, Minnesota state flag, the Iskigamizigan Powwow flag and the Mille Lacs tribal government flag - followed by the powwow royalty (princesses and braves) from tribes and schools. The procession ends with a colorful dramatization of the various styles of regalia and dance.
Grand Entry times are:
• Friday, August 15, at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, August 16, at 1 and 7 p.m.
ADVERTISEMENT
• Sunday, August 17, at 1 p.m.
Along with the powwow, the event will include princess and brave contests, food, crafts, a horseshoe tournament, Moccasin Games, best parade float contest, a parade, and a fun run sponsored by the Mille Lacs Indian Museum. All events will take place at the powwow grounds.
Location - The Iskigamizigan Powwow Grounds are located 12 miles north of Onamia - or two miles north of Grand Casino Mille Lacs - on Highway 169. Watch for the powwow signs near the site. Free camping, campfire wood, and showers will be available for visitors. Security and medical staff will be at the event; alcohol and drugs are prohibited.
For more information, contact Carla Big Bear at 320-532-7517 or carla.bigbear@millelacsband.com or Kim Sam at 320-224-1646.
Powwows are American Indian celebrations of ceremonial and social dance traditions. They take place on reservations and in other locations throughout the country and include singing, dancing, drumming and more. There are contest powwows, where dancers compete against each other in style and appearance, and there are traditional powwows, where participants take part for social enjoyment. The upcoming Mille Lacs Band powwow is a traditional powwow.
