41st Annual Homecoming Powwow set for June 30-July 2
SAULT STE. MARIE — This weekend, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians will host its 41st Annual Baaweting Homecoming Powwow.
Starting on Friday, June 30 and continuing through Sunday, July 2, the Sault Tribe will be hosting a multi-day event of dancing, drumming and other traditional powwow activities.
Taking place at the tribe’s powwow grounds off Shunk Road on Ice Circle, the tribe will host hundreds of local and visiting participants as they celebrate tribal culture with music and dance.
An average powwow involves many tribal traditions, and is often a way for modern tribes to keep older traditions alive in new generations. Dancers in full regalia compete in different categories and will also teach traditional dances that have been passed down through the tribe.
"Historically, practicing one's culture wasn't actually allowed for Native Americans. Laws and boarding schools and assimilation policies stopped people from speaking their languages and practicing their religion, so we're super proud to practice our important cultural gatherings like this," said Tribal Chairperson Austin Lowes
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The Sault Tribe hosts several local powwow events each year as a way to maintain cultural practices.
"The Sault Tribe hosts powwows across the U.P., and we call this the homecoming because it's the return to Sault Ste. Marie, which is where our tribe is historically located," said Lowes.
Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, the grand entry to the powwow begins with a processional of flags representing various Native nations. A new grand entry will be repeated every subsequent day.
Activities during the powwow will include dancing and drumming competitions.
Among the traditional dance categories are traditional, fancy, grass, shawl, jingle and golden age dances. For a $10 registration fee, any adult can join the competition and win up to $1,000. Teen participants can win up to $300 for the same competition.
There will only be one category in the drum competition, which will also include up to five singers with each drum. The winners of the drum competition can win up to $8,000.
The Homecoming Powwow is often the largest of the powwows held each year and attracts participants from across the U.P. and state.
No drugs, alcohol, politics or dogs are allowed on the powwow grounds.
For more information, visit saulttribe.com.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault Tribe's 41st Annual Homecoming Powwow set for June 30-July 2
