New powwow grounds being planned near Ziibiwing Center

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

Next year's powwow hosted by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan will probably be at a new permanent site.

Tribal Council approved $15,000 on June 8 for the initial scope of work to develop a multi-use outdoor grounds at an area near the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways.

There will be a retail food area, parking, bathroom/shower, staging area, rough camping (strictly for tents), according to the motion.

"We've outgrown the current site at the campgrounds," stated Sub-Chief Bernie Sprague. "The powwow committee has told me repeatedly that they turn away vendors because there isn't the space. Parking has also been a real headache over the past few years.

"We want to build a multi-use site not only for the powwow, but for other outdoor activities like family reunions or concerts."

He added there might be a possibility of next year's powwow being a week-long event.

The next powwow planning committee meeting is on Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. in the Tribal Council board room. For more information about the meeting or if there are any questions, contact Sprague at (989) 775-4007.