Native Americans…and others…from around the Midwest are in Sault Ste. Marie for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa’s Traditional Pow-Wow and Summer Gathering.
It’s the 38th year for the event. It starts with a spiritual gathering on Thursday,
A kid’s carnival will be held at 5:30 Fridfay afternoon. As for the pow-wow, grand entries are set for 1:00 and 7:00 on Saturday, with a traditional feast at 5:00.
Another grand entry is set for Sunday at noon . The events are being held at the powwow grounds off of Shunk Road on Ice Circle.
This year’s celebration features singing and dancing contests, traditional community feast, authentic food and craft vendors.
More details:
38th Annual Sault Summer Gathering and Powwow
38th Annual Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians “Going back to our Roots” Summer Gathering and Powwow
Thursday, July 4
– All day spiritual gathering starting at sunrise
Friday, July 5
– Kids’ carnival – 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free and open to all families
Saturday, July 6
– Drum and dancer registration 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
– Grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
– Traditional feast at 5 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Sunday, July 7
– Grand entry at 12 p.m.
– Traditional giveaway at 4 p.m.
– Announce dance and drum contest winners at 4:30 p.m.
– Powwow closing at 5 p.m.
Battle of the Great Lakes Singing Competition: with invited drums from Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ontario.
1st place – $4,000
2nd place – $3,000
3rd place – $2,000
4th place – $1,000
(Drum split for all other registered drums)
*All drums must have at least five registered singers*
Dance competition categories:
1st – $400; 2nd – $300; 3rd – $200; 4th – $100
Golden age men (50+) – combined
Golden age women (50+) – combined
Men’s traditional, grass and fancy (18+)
Women’s traditional, fancy & jingle (18+)
(Honorarium for the first 50 registered adult/ teen dancers in full regalia)
*Winners must have picture I.D. to collect prizes*
Head veteran – Nick VanAlstine
Emcees – Bucko Teeple and Allard Teeple
Arena director – Richard Lewis
Head drum judge – Ronnie Preston
Head dance judges – Stewart and Pamela Boivin
Invited drum groups:
Eagle Flight – Bkejwanong First Nation/London/Saskatchewan, Ont.
Red Willow – East Lake, Minn.
Smokeytown – Zoar, Wis.
Bear River – Odawa/Grand/Little Traverse, Mich.
Free admission and open to the public! Sault Tribe Powwow Grounds in Sault Ste. Marie. Entrance is from Bahweting Dr. off Shunk Rd. on the Sault Tribe Reservation.
—Rustic camping available. Bathrooms and showers on site!
—Dogs, bicycles and outside raffles prohibited on powwow grounds.
—Vendors must pre-register by June 25. Native American craft vendors only!
—Vendors are encouraged to use generators if they have them. Generators must be baffled!
—Host Hotel: Kewadin Casinos Call (800) 539-2346
Visit www.saulttribe.com or find our event on Facebook!
Drums, dancers, spiritual gathering and vendors please contact Sault Tribe Cultural Department at 906‑635‑6050.
