MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Keweenaw Bay Band of Lake Superior Ojibwa is holding its annual Spring Powwow this weekend at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.
There are few things as spectacular as witnessing the grand entry of a large powwow. Over 600 dancers flooded the floor of Lakeview Arena tonight, each dancer wearing handmade regalia that reflects their own personal style and the categories they are in. Powwow organizer, Christine Awonohopay describes the grand entry.
“So that’s where you’ll get to hear and see. Hear the drums, see the dancers come in. Last year we had almost 600 dancers. I would anticipate we have about that again this year,” said Awonohopay.
KBIC holds its marquee powwow each summer in Baraga. However, holding the inaugural pow wow of the season in Marquette is a way of sharing their culture with the Queen City and its significant Native American population.
“We have reservation land here, and we have tribal people in Marquette, so it’s for them to be able to come and celebrate with us too,” said Awonohopay.
This powwow has attracted participants from across the country, all coming together for a kind of family reunion.
“This is a chance for us to come together and be together all as one tribe. Even though we’re tribes from all over the place, we’re here as one celebrating dancing,” explained Awonohopay.
This is a contest as well, with sizable prizes for the winners.
“First place in the drum contest. is $12,000,” exclaimed Awonohopay.
The powwow will continue through Sunday at Lakeview Arena. If you can’t make it to the powwow, you can watch all the action on their live stream at powwows.com
