SAULT STE. MARIE — Sault Ste. Marie’s biggest powwow of the year is just days away, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is getting ready to celebrate.
Tribes from across the Upper Peninsula will make their way to Sault Ste. Marie this July 4-6 for the 43rd Annual Baaweting Homecoming Powwow hosted by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
The tribe hosts dozens of powwows each year to celebrate and maintain tribal culture in a modern world, allowing the chance for modern tribes to reconnect and stay in touch with tribal customs and practice old traditions.
“Powwows are central to our cultural identity and serve as an opportunity for people to gather and practice our culture,” Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Chairman Austin Lowes said. “Powwows weren’t always allowed because of old acts of legislation in the United States, so it’s something that we cherish as it’s something we haven’t always freely enjoyed.”
The celebrations also give local vendors a place to connect with people while providing an authentic experience on tribal customs and heritage.
Powwows include many traditions, such as the grand entry, carrying of the flags, honoring veterans and elders and presenting many traditional dances and other ceremonies. Dancers in full regalia compete in different categories and will teach traditional dances that have been passed down through the tribe.
The annual homecoming powwow is one of many held throughout the year, but is the largest and considered a culmination of the events held throughout the year.
“We have a large tribe spread out over seven counties in the Upper Peninsula, but in the Sault is where our tribe is centrally located and this is the largest powwow of all the ones we offer,” said Lowes.
The events begin with the grand entry at 7 p.m. on July 4 at the tribe’s dedicated powwow grounds off of Shunk Road. The grand entry is when flag bearers and dancers enter the grounds representing various Native American groups throughout the area. The grand entry will take place once a day for every day of the celebration.
“My favorite part is the grand entry,” said Lowes. “When the flags come in and the people are all there — it’s nice to see the tribal members come together.”
After that, the grounds will be filled with dances and contests performed by trained professional dancers and musicians.
Dance contest categories include traditional dances, golden age dances, fancy, jingle, grass and woodland dances. Participants can enter for a chance to win up to $1,000 for the various dance contests, and teenagers will have the opportunity to win up to $300.
There will also be a drumming contest, with five registered singers included in each drum group. Groups have a chance to win up to $10,000.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault Ste. Marie tribe to host homecoming powwow July 4-6
Reporting by Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
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