Youth LEAD District Powwow draws nearly two thousand students to Eagles Nest Tribal Gym
6/3/2015 9:00:00 AM - Education Dept.

Joseph V. Sowmick, Photojournalist

On April 30 and May 1, local students were given the opportunity to observe an educational powwow where they learned about traditional dances and types of regalia.

In addition to the powwow, students also took part in mini workshops where they learned about storytelling, Native language, sacred medicines and many other valuable teachings. The students also enjoyed having an opportunity to make crafts with Seventh Generation staff.

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Member RJ Smith served as emcee as SCIT Member Darryl Jackson led the dancers as head veteran. Tribal Elder Kent Jackson served as arena director and the Anishinabe Ogichedaw Veteran Warrior Society brought in the Tribal eagle staff and flags during grand entry.

“I’ve been on the powwow trail as an emcee just for a few years but I have been an arena director, head dance judge, head drum judge and a dancer for a little over 20 years,” Smith said. “This is awesome to see because our Native people were always about sharing and inclusion. It’s nice to let people know our Native people are still here, and we are thriving and surviving. The exciting part for me is when I see Tribal students who get to share who they really are as Anishinabe people, and it’s another way for them to shine and have something to be proud of.”

Tribal Council Chaplain Jennifer Wassegijig shared a blessing for the food and the community event as Tribal Chief Steven Pego gave a teaching on the importance of the ceremonies.

“On behalf of Youth LEAD, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported, participated or helped us with the annual Youth LEAD District Powwow…,” Youth LEAD Director Jennifer Crawford said. “Almost 2,000 total students from Saginaw Chippewa Academy, Sasiwaans, Shepherd, Mount Pleasant, Renaissance, and Beal City Public Schools visited us, joining in on the fantastic, handson, cultural experience. I could not be more proud of our entire Youth LEAD staff – it takes an incredible team to pull off such an event while making it look easy and fun! Great job, once again, Youth LEAD!”

A new addition to the program this year was the teaching lodge, which was built by the Youth LEAD staff in the grass, south of the gym. Students were able to experience lodge teachings from Tribal Mide’ Elder Brian Corbiere while sitting in a real Ojibwe north woods lodge.

Ziibiwing Center Assistant Director Waabanoqua (Judy Pamp) gave students a treat as she shared storytelling that was passed down to her family from her ancestors.

Youth LEAD Empowerment Aide and Youth Council Advisor Tonya Jackson did an excellent job with the powwow dancers in speaking about regalia making.

Many of the Tribal students view the Youth LEAD District Powwow as a tune-up for the summer trail that includes powwows in Saganing on June 14-15 and the 31st Saginaw Chippewa annual Powwow July 24-26.