Indigenous communities across Michigan are hosting annual powwows this summer, bringing together tribe members and others for a time of dancing, singing traditional songs and sharing community.
The Native American cultural events include dancers dressed in tribal regalia, PowWows.com says. Powwows are often open to the public, though non-Native attendees should follow guidelines for behavior, photography and other ways to show respect.
“It is a time of learning and carrying on rich cultural heritage. There is a spiritual significance in the dances, songs, and customs observed, along with the preparations for the event. It is also a chance to display artistic ability with the many arts and crafts common to the Indian people,” Michigan State University’s Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy’s website says.
Here’s what to know.
When are upcoming powwows?
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, based in the eastern Upper Peninsula, has two powwows planned, including the 43rd annual Baaweting Homecoming Powwow, which starts on July 4 and continues through Sunday in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Grand Island Powwow takes place Aug. 9 in Munising.
The Sugar Island Pow Wow is July 18-20 on Sugar Island, in the eastern UP.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan will host its 41st annual Saginaw Chippewa Powwow July 25-27.
The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, in the northern Lower Peninsula, will conduct the 32nd annual Odawa Homecoming Pow Wow Aug. 9-10 in Harbor Springs.
What is a Powwow?
A powwow is a Native American gathering filled with celebration, dancing, singing and other activities, according to United Indians of All Tribes Foundation.
Indigenous dancers typically wear regalia, cultural attire reflecting their tribe’s cultural heritage and their personal style. Regalia provide a form of self-expression, with the apparel representing the dancer’s life, interests and family background, the Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage says.
When is the Baaweting Homecoming Powwow?
The 43rd annual Baaweting Homecoming Powwow is this weekend, July 4-6.
Who hosts the Baaweting Homecoming Powwow?
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula hosts the Baaweting Homecoming Powwow.
The powwow will feature a daily sunrise ceremony, a 7 p.m. grand entry on July 4, grand entries at 1 and 7 p.m. on July 5, and grand entry at noon on July 6 at Kewadin Casino Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie. There will also be a drum contest and dance contest.
Where is the Baaweting Homecoming Powwow?
The powwow takes place at the tribe’s powwow grounds off Shunk Road on Ice Circle in Sault Ste. Marie, the tribe said.
When is the Sugar Island Pow Wow?
The Sugar Island Pow Wow is July 18-20, 2025.
Who hosts the Sugar Island Pow Wow?
The Sugar Island Pow Wow is hosted by the Sugar Island Pow Wow Committee.
Where is the Sugar Island Pow Wow?
The powwow is at 3 Mile Road on Sugar Island, off east end of the Upper Peninsula. To get to Sugar Island, attendees will need to ride the Sugar Island Ferry from Sault Ste. Marie.
When is the Saginaw Chippewa Powwow?
The 41st annual Saginaw Chippewa Powwow is July 25-27, 2025.
Who hosts the Saginaw Chippewa Powwow?
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan hosts the powwow.
Where is the Saginaw Chippewa Powwow?
The powwow takes place at The Hill Campground, at 7525 E. Tomah Road in Mount Pleasant.
When is the Grand Island Powwow?
The Grand Island Powwow and YEA Annual Youth Empowerment Powwow are held Aug. 9, 2025.
Who hosts the Grand Island Powwow?
The Grand Island Powwow is hosted by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Where is the Grand Island Powwow?
The powwow takes place at the Bay Furnace Campground, E7900 W. M-28 in Munising.
When is the Odawa Homecoming Pow Wow?
The 32nd annual Odawa Homecoming Pow Wow is Aug. 9-10, 2025.
Who hosts the Odawa Homecoming Pow Wow?
The Pow Wow is hosted by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, or Waganakising Odawa.
The event will feature a dance contest, drum contest, 2025 Miss Odawa Nation and Junior Miss Odawa Nation contests and more.
Where is the Odawa Homecoming Pow Wow?
The powwow takes place at the tribe’s Pow Wow grounds, at 7500 Odawa Circle in Harbor Springs.
What should non-Natives know about Powwows?
If this will be your first time attending a powwow and you’re not Native American, you’ll need to remember key points to be a respectful observer. The Sault Ste. Marie Visitors Bureau and Powwows.com offer these tips:
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Native American tribes are hosting summer 2025 powwows. What to know
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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