Sault Tribe honors veterans at powwow

Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News
·1 min read
Sault Tribe Chairperson Austin Lowes speaks to the crowd about the importance of honoring veterans of the tribe at the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians' Honoring Our Veterans Powwow at Kewadin Casino on Nov. 11, 2023.
Sault Tribe Chairperson Austin Lowes speaks to the crowd about the importance of honoring veterans of the tribe at the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians' Honoring Our Veterans Powwow at Kewadin Casino on Nov. 11, 2023.

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians commemorated Veterans Day on Saturday with the annual Honoring Our Veterans Powwow.

The veterans powwow, which took place at Dreammakers theater in Kewadin Casino, featured dozens of dancers, drummers, vendors and more.

Hundreds of people attended the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians' Honoring Our Veterans Powwow to celebrate Veterans Day at Kewadin Casino on Nov. 11, 2023.
Hundreds of people attended the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians' Honoring Our Veterans Powwow to celebrate Veterans Day at Kewadin Casino on Nov. 11, 2023.

The event also featured traditional dances and songs, with local head dancers and the Bahweting Singers leading six drum circles from across Northern Michigan.

During the grand entry, head veteran Nick VanAlstine led groups of veterans from major wars and conflicts into the circle with flags to represent various military and veteran groups.

Traditional songs and dances were featured at the Honoring Our Veterans Powwow at Kewadin Casino on Nov. 11, 2023.
Traditional songs and dances were featured at the Honoring Our Veterans Powwow at Kewadin Casino on Nov. 11, 2023.

After the ceremonial flags had been arranged in a circle, the powwow continued with prayers, dances, songs and more.

The powwow also featured a community feast at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building.

Judy Wabegijig of Silver Cedar Creations sells artisan crafts at the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians' Honoring Our Veterans Powwow to celebrate Veterans Day at Kewadin Casino on Nov. 11, 2023.
Judy Wabegijig of Silver Cedar Creations sells artisan crafts at the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians' Honoring Our Veterans Powwow to celebrate Veterans Day at Kewadin Casino on Nov. 11, 2023.

"Cultural events like this are a great way to bring our community together," said tribal chairperson Austin Lowes during the celebration. "Native Americans serve in the military at a higher rate than any other group in history, and that's because at our hearts we are warriors."

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— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault Tribe honors veterans at powwow