Shawl ceremony at Saganing Powwow brings awareness of healing through culture
7/7/2015 9:00:00 AM - Saganing Powwow

By Joseph V. Sowmick, Photojournalist

The beauty and pageantry of powwow regalia has continued throughout history. However, our Native teachings lead us to share important messages in a good way.

Saganing Traditional Powwow emcee Bucko Teeple provided an introduction of dancers for the “Healing Though Culture and Art Shawl Collection” in support of American Indian Heart Health Awareness. 

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Member RJ Smith served as arena director and led the women into the circle.

The shawl program was created by Suzanne Cross, Saginaw Chippewa tribal elder, and made its initial debut on May 20 at the Riverbank Powwow in Lansing, Mich.

“The collection created with a cultural approach to increase awareness and to emphasize cardiac health and care,” Cross said. “As a survivor of a heart attack and open heart surgery, I created 13 shawls in recognition of the 13 moons from our Ojibwe Creation Story. Each shawl has its own story designed to encourage American Indian women at all stages in life to recognize the importance of the value of changing life ways to prolong and save lives.”

Cross said the project vision came to her during the healing process after surgery as she recalled positive events in her life that embodied each of the shawls. 

She was also very mindful to commend those women who donated their time and effort at the Riverbank and Saganing Powwows after gave a touching tribute to a special friend.

“Each dancer received a beautiful beaded bag from a collection that was given to me by my colleague and friend Lorraine Pierce,” Cross said. “My sister was a social worker who worked extensively with older adults. She had a history of heart disease and a major heart attack and walked on Aug. 10, 2014.  She would have loved the beauty and what this ceremony means to many and her gifts she has freely given lives on within us.”

Teeple welcomed each Anishinabe Kwe into the arena and gave a brief explanation of who each member was, what nation they represented and why they were dancing their shawl in:

The Tribute Shawl - Suzanne Cross, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 

“I’m dancing in this shawl in celebration of the lives of my mother, father, friends, and all those from past generations who have walked on from heart disease and heart attacks.”

Survivors Shawl - Charmaine Shawana, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 

“She is 60 years old and a mother of two daughters, stepmother of four daughters, and grandmother of lots and lots of grandchildren. She is the survivor of a heart attack in 1991. But she didn't let it stop her from pursuing her goal of obtaining her master’s degree from Michigan State University. She is also a published writer and has served on the Tribal Council.  She lives a sober and drug-free lifestyle, enjoys life and tries to stay healthy by eating right and getting plenty of exercise.”

Red Dress Shawl - Darcy Pilar, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 

“Dancing to bring awareness of heart disease in the American Indian population”

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Shawl - Jolene Quinlan, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

 “I am dancing this shawl in memory and to honor all those Tribal Members who have passed that participated in getting the Docket 57 Money that allowed the Tribe to prosper. While I am aware of the sacrifices these ancestors endured, the poor living conditions and discrimination many of them lived through, I also remember the family times, the love and the proud spirit of my grandmother's and mother's generation. Their foresight has allowed the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to benefit more than just its members, but the communities around us and the future generations of all to come.”

Southwest Shawl - Rachel Butzian, St. Regis Mohawk

 “She is dancing in remembrance of her grandfather.”

Honor Veterans Shawl - Stoney Polman, Ojibwa and Tuscarora

 “She’s here to honor all other women veterans, many of whom have severe disabilities as well as heart disease.”

Elder’s Shawl - Connie Freiberger, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

 “She is a survivor of a heart attack on Nov. 10, 2013.  She would like all in attendance to have checkup regularly and take care of themselves.”

Mother’s Shawl - Eva Menefee, Oneida

 “She is dancing for her mother-in-law who walked on from an unknown heart disease and for her father who walked on from heart disease that he lived with most of his life.”

Young Mother’s Shawl - Stephanie Spencer, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

 “She is dancing in honor of young mothers.  She is also dancing in honor of her grandmother who suffers from heart disease.”

Expecting with Daughter Shawl - Renata Borton, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

“I dance in honor and with deep respect of all the expectant mothers.”

Teen Butterfly Shawl - Christina Benz, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

“Her message for other teens is if you don’t drink, smoke or do drugs, you will live a good healthy life.”

Pre-Teen Floral Shawl - Emille Morley, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

 “She is dancing in memory of her very special Aunt Lena, who walked on from heart disease.”

Child’s Shawl - Aviana Gomez, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

 “She is dancing in honor of her little sister (Mari) who had heart surgery.”