MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Saturday, June 8, the Sault Tribe is hosting its second annual Niiwin Noodin Pow Wow at the Tribal Community Center in Manistique.
Pow Wow Planning Committee members say it’s going to be another year of vendors, teachings, drums and dancing, silent auctions, and fun.
“Pow wows are a way of bringing people together,” member Gail Sulander said. “People come from all over the country in to socialize, to eat, to shop, to dance. It’s kind of like a family reunion of sorts, but it’s also a way to celebrate together and get a taste of what the Native American Culture is.”
One of the best methods of tasting the culture is through food, with the entire event leading up to a community feast.
“I am on the Food Sovereignty Committee for the Sault Tribe, and therein lies the passion to make food as traditional as possible,” said Planning Committee member Casey Hinkson. “We are making hunter’s stew, and we had an entire deer donated for the stew. We’ve got fish, wild rice, salad with lots of fresh fruits and nuts and seeds and things that we would’ve traditionally eaten. Cornbread and pumpkin cookies, which are a little bit more modern, but all of those things are going to be paired with a green spinach salad with more berries and nuts.”
Hinkson says while attendees enjoy delicious food, they’re also learning about the Tribe’s history.
“What I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of is the community that we are building in preparing all this food for everybody, which I think is what a pow wow is supposed to be about,” she said. “We try to keep it as culturally appropriate as possible, and I feel like through food, we can educate the community.”
An important duty at the Pow Wow is that of the firekeeper, who tends to the flame to keep it burning throughout the entire event.
“We light it with flint and steel,” explained Firekeeper Cody Gierke. “That signifies the creation of life, like the big bang, so to speak. Then it pretty much represents life as it grows, and the fire keeps the spirits alive.”
Gierke says events like the Niiwin Noodin Pow Wow ensure younger generations know about and continue these practices.
“I feel that it’s really important to keep the traditions alive,” he said. “It’s my heritage, and it’s something that really means something to me.”
It’s also an opportunity to share those traditions with others.
“Everyone is welcome at a pow wow,” said Sulander. “It’s amazing how many people have never been to one, and this is the perfect one to go to. It’s small, it’s low key, it’s open and welcoming. Don’t be afraid, just come on out.”
Those who have never attended a pow wow often have questions. Sulander says a good rule to follow is not to touch or photograph others’ regalia without permission. Regalia is not required, and guests are welcome to dress casually. She says dogs are not permitted, as they are a different spirit animal than humans.
Anyone with questions about etiquette or activities during the Niiwin Noodin Pow Wow can get answers at the information booth.
“People who aren’t really familiar with our culture, they aren’t sure of what they should be doing, and I like to make or allow people to feel included,” said Sault Tribe Board Director Kimberly Hampton. “When we have our Intertribal dances, they will actually be able to go out there and dance with us and get a taste of our culture. We just hope that everybody has fun and enjoys themselves.”
The Niiwin Noodin Pow Wow begins at 10 a.m. with vendors and a cultural teaching. The Grand Entry is scheduled for 1 p.m., leading to the community feast at 6 p.m.
The Tribal Community Center is located at 6598W US-2 in Manistique, next to the Kewadin Casino. For more information, click here.
