Annual powwow relative to cultural traditions

Scott Csernyik

10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM

The annual powwow is a time for families to get together while honoring one of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe's cultural visionaries.

It's also an opportunity for those not connected to Indian Country in some fashion to experience various cultural traditions impacting all five senses.

From the heartbeat of the drum to the smell of sweetgrass burning or the taste of frybread while watching dancers make their way around the Sacred Circle, the 19th Annual Little Elk's Retreat Powwow is a three-day event steeped in culture.

"All My Relations" is the theme of the powwow, which will take place Aug. 1-3 at the Saginaw Chippewa Campgrounds.

The powwow honors Eli Thomas, also known as the ceremonial Chief Little Elk. Chief Little Elk carried with him a vast knowledge of traditional, spiritual and medicinal practices. He died at the age of 92, shortly after attending the Tribe's sixth annual powwow in 1990.

"My grandfather enjoyed being among people and sharing," stated Larry Sprague. "I grew up with my grandfather. He's the only one that I know who wanted to have an Indian gathering out here. He wanted to invite people to come over and have a good time."

Long before there was an organized powwow conducted annually on the Isabella Reservation, Chief Little Elk recognized the importance of sharing his culture with others.

"One of my grand-father's priorities in life, besides serving God, was to make sure the younger ones, even the non-Indian people, knew about our heritage, culture and language," stated Barb "Little Fawn" Sprague.

His vision of having a gathering on the Isabella Reservation began decades earlier by hosting the fall Strawberry Festivals. During the summer months, Little Elk coordinated mini-powwows at Zubler's Indian Craft in Houghton Lake.

"It was just in his blood to do it," explained Little Elk's daughter Eleanor Sprague. "He got a lot of support from people-Native and non-Native-off the reservation to keep doing it."

Chief Little Elk remained grounded to traditional teachings and a simpler life throughout his days.

"Our people are getting modern," he once said. "Them old ways are better."