HARBOR SPRINGS — The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians hosted a day of celebrations for Sovereignty Day on Sunday, Sept. 21.
On Sept. 21, 1994, Public Law 103-324 was ratified in the United States Congress, making the LTBB a federally recognized sovereign nation. The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians was also included in the act.
With recognized sovereignty, tribes are able to establish government-to-government relationships with the United States. Additionally, tribes are able to self-govern and have access to federal funding and services.
The day’s festivities kicked off in downtown Harbor Springs, where spirits remained high for a short parade despite the dark skies and light rain. This was the first time the parade has been led through downtown Harbor Springs.
During the traditional powwow, held shortly after the parade, Tribal Chairperson Winnay Wemigwase said she was proud of the community participation downtown.
“It’s always important for us to remember that our sovereignty and our government is a big responsibility,” Wemigwase said during the traditional powwow. “One of those responsibilities is to ensure that our neighbors understand our community. Our sovereignty does not mean anything unless our neighbors recognize it too.”
Following the parade, the traditional powwow was held at the LTBB Government Center.
At the powwow, tribal citizens and the public alike gathered in recognition of the Tribe’s Sovereignty, with dancing, veteran honors and a feast. Awards were given out for parade entries, and vendors were set up as well.
“It’s actually really cool to be able to see everybody seeing friends and seeing family and having a positive experience with us here today,” Wemigwase said during the event.
— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @KarlyGrahamJrn.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians hosts Sovereignty Day celebrations with parade, powwow
Reporting by Karly Graham, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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