Pow Wow Committee Still Needs More Participants

Sarah Cummins

9/21/2000 12:00:00 AM

Although plans are well underway, the 16th Annual Little Elks Retreat Powwow Committee is still looking for volunteers, dancers, drummers and even a princess or two.

Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas. The committee needs people to help set up the arbor about a week before the powwow. They also need people to help collect cedar which will be set up just before the event.

People can also help with registration, setting up chairs and collecting trash. "On behalf of the committee, I'd like to say thanks to all the volunteers and hope they return next year," stated committee member Darcy Sprague.

Help is also needed with security. Volunteers will be expected to prohibit alcohol consumption, juvenile misbehavior and in general protect the grounds from misdeeds.

Along with the actual physical help needed, Tribal departments are encouraged to set up informational booths. Those participating must sign up. Any departments selling anything will be charged a fee. Space is limited.

Vendors and traders still have time to sign up although space is limited as well. However, all vendors and traders must be Tribal members from a federally recognized Tribe, and they must be able to produce proof of membership. Set up will begin at 8 a.m. on Aug. 3. Anyone who sets up prior to this time, will be towed at the owner's expense.

Drums and dancers may preregister. Anyone interested in becoming a head dancer should contact a powwow committee member. First place for the drum contest will be $5,000. Total payout for the dance contest will be $70,200.

Finally, the powwow committee members are still seeking princesses. Miss Three Fires and Junior Miss Saginaw Ojibwe Princess applications can still be submitted.

Miss Three Fires applicants must be between 15 and 17-years-old.

Junior Miss Saginaw Ojibwe Princess was formerly Miss Saginaw Chippewa. Under the new criteria, the applicant must be between 8 and 17-years-old. She must be a Saginaw Chippewa Tribal member, never have been married, have no dependents and have a knowledge of Tribal traditions.

Application deadline for the princess contests is Aug. 4. For more information on criteria or to obtain an application, contact Mary Perez at (517) 775-4072.

The powwow is an alcohol and drug-free event. No pets allowed. The powwow committee is not responsible for any theft or injury. For more information, contact Sprague at (517) 775-4695 during business hours and at (517) 779-8526 or (517) 772-5888 in the evening.