This summer, Indigenous communities in Michigan are gathering for traditional powwows, bringing together tribe members and others for a time of dancing, singing traditional songs and preserving cultural heritage.
Coming up this week, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians, based in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the northwestern Upper Peninsula, will host its 47th annual Maawanji’iding Pow Wow July 25-27, at 16449 Michigan Ave. in Baraga.
In addition, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan will host its 41st annual Saginaw Chippewa Powwow July 25-27 at The Hill Campground, 7525 E. Tomah Road in Mt. Pleasant.
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.
What powwows take place this summer?
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians, based in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the northwestern Upper Peninsula, will host the 47th annual Maawanji’iding Pow Wow July 25-27.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan will host its 41st annual Saginaw Chippewa Powwow July 25-27.
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, based in the eastern Upper Peninsula, has the Grand Island Powwow planned for Aug. 9 in Munising.
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 Maawanji’iding Pow Wow?
The 47th annual Maawanji’iding Pow Wow will run July 25-27, 2025.
Who hosts the Maawanji’iding Pow Wow?
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community hosts the Maawanji’iding Pow Wow.
Where is the Maawanji’iding Pow Wow?
The powwow takes place at the Ojibwa Campground, 16449 Michigan Ave. in Baraga, in the UP’s Keweenaw Peninsula.
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’s Native American tribes are hosting powwows. What to know about the tradition
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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