3rd Annual Saginaw Chippewa Round Dance a Success

From Nathan Isaac-

The Round Dance was really great this year. I want to express my thanks again to everyone who helped make this event possible. I would like to thank Tribal Council for the support and generous sponsorship that helped to secure all the great singers that attended.

Miigwetch to the Public Relations department of the Tribe for all the great work and for the sponsorship that helped to secure the MC for the Round Dance.

Miigwetch to the many Tribal departments that contributed to the Round Dance expenses: Behavioral Health programs, Elder’s Program, Ziibiwing, Nimkee Health, Saginaw Chippewa Academy, Parks & Recreation and a special miigwetch to 7th Generation for providing the Feast.

*I apologize if I left out any department. There was an overwhelming amount of support for this event.

Chi-miigwetch to all the individuals who worked before, during and after the Round Dance. There was a tremendous amount of help and dedicated workers for this event this year. We all worked together with no thought of receiving anything in return except the gratitude of succeeding in another great year for the Round Dance.

During the Round Dance, I was presented with an eagle feather from Charmaine Benz and family. I am very honored to receive such a gift and I will remember that moment always. When I had the thought of pulling a Round Dance together, I had no idea that it would grow into what is has become. I put in countless hours of planning, contacting people, sending e-mails and flyers in all directions. I put my heart into the Round Dance. I don’t know why. There are a hundred things at home, in my personal life that I should be focused on. For some reason, I put it all on hold to make sure the Round Dance was carried through exactly the way it should be. I’m grateful to my family for being patient with me so could put my energy into this event. I just wanted people to experience a little bit of what I experienced when I traveled to Round Dances. I know it’s hard to get out to Round Dances so I wanted to try and bring the experience home. It could not have been possible without everyone who supported the Round Dance. I worked hard alongside you all. I didn’t expect anything in return. My parents and elders always told me to do things because you want to do them and not because you are seeking recognition or acknowledgement. It’s teachings from ogitchidaa that tell us to give and care for the people without expecting anything in return. I don’t feel that it was me that brought Round Dance to the Saginaw Chippewa Community. I feel we all did. I hope that we continue to work well together and bring this event to our community for years and years to come. I accepted the eagle feather from the Benz family because I know this event has helped them and many other families find healing and comfort. But I will carry this feather for all who helped to bring Round Dance home to Saginaw Chippewa Country! Miigwetch everyone!

You may all look forward to the

4th Annual Saginaw Chippewa Round Dance

March 12th, 2011