Central powwow setfor Sept. 28 ad 29

Julie Severn

7/15/2002 12:00:00 AM

Central Michigan University will host its 14th annual powwow at Rose Arena on Sept. 28 and 29.

This year's kina gwa gwaya daa-bi-iizhaa "Everyone is Welcome" Powwow is changing from the competitive style to a traditional format.

"By shifting the powwow from competitive to traditional, we're hoping to make the event more interactive," said Lisa Tiger, director of CMU's Native American Programs. "We're opening the powwow to those students who may be scared to put on a number and dance competitively by encouraging them to reconnect with the culture in a less intimidating atmosphere."

Grand Entry is scheduled for 1 and 7 p.m. on Sept. 28 and at 1 p.m. on Sept. 29. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Children ages 4 and younger, senior citizens ages 60 and older, CMU students and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal members are admitted free.

This is the second fall powwow at the university, as the event was previously conducted during the spring. Tiger said the date change was geared toward reaching more students because attendance is higher in the fall.

The head male and female dancers are Ruben Blackcloud and Julie D'Artagnan. Steve Pego will be the arena director and the masters of ceremonies are Helen Roy and Ben Hinmon. Head veteran dancers will be announced at a later date. Grammy award nominees Black Lodge Singers of White Swan, Wash. will be the host drum with High Spirit being the co-host drum.

Tiger said there may be an educational workshop during the powwow, but details have not been finalized. The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe's Ziibiwing Cultural Society and CMU's Clarke Historical Library will have informational displays at the event, she said.

Powwow vendors must be a member or descendent of a North American Tribe. Those interested may contact Tiger at (989) 774-2508.

"We really wanted to include more people in powwow activities this year," explained Tiger. "As an educational institute, we feel a certain responsibility to give people an experience that educates them. Several of our Native students didn't grow up on a reservation and have a hard time reconnecting to the culture. It's our job to help them make that connection."