(Ed.'s Note: Those of us who have been lucky enough to have relatives among the natives of Central Michigan enjoy their annual Pow-Wow where the communities come together from throughout Michigan and surrounding states and Canada to enjoy the fellowship and celebrate their traditions.
There is competition among the natives including the traditional dancers, jingle-dress dancers and the dances which honor veterans, families, and even the children. The tribe owns the Isabella Reservation in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., the same place, coincidentally, where Central Michigan University is located.
A relative wrote: "Hi! Long time since I’ve seen you last. And, here are photos from powwow. They were in full regalia.
The Veterans (warriors) are honored. The oldest vet (in blue), George Martin, Korean War, ushers in the rest of the vets. They are accompanied by the male and female lead dancers.There is competition among the natives including the traditional dancers, jingle-dress dancers and the dances which honor veterans, families, and even the children. The tribe owns the Isabella Reservation in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., the same place, coincidentally, where Central Michigan University is located.
A relative wrote: "Hi! Long time since I’ve seen you last. And, here are photos from powwow. They were in full regalia.
There is a touching ceremony if one of the dancers' eagle feathers falls in the dance area. Everything stops and a group of veterans must hold a ceremony by burning tobacco and saying a prayer in the four cardinal points for the fallen warrior before the dance continues. Among the veterans are included those who fought in Wounded Knee and Pine Ridge.
It’s a family affair."