Mille Lacs Band to host 39th annual powwow

ONAMIA -- The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe will host its 39th annual traditional powwow Aug. 19-21 at its powwow grounds two miles north of Grand Casino Mille Lacs.

The event is free and open to the public. Spectators will be able to learn more about the traditional dancing and drums, see the brave and princess contests, try Ojibwe foods and observe a number of other powwow events.

Powwows are American Indian celebrations, including dancing, singing, drumming and more. Today's powwows are an evolution of different ceremonial and social dance traditions, and take place on reservations and in other locations throughout the country.

This year's powwow will feature hundreds of American Indian dancers of all ages in traditional, brightly colored regalia. Participants will represent tribes from all across the state. Grand entries, which are a procession of the powwow participants to officially begin each session, are scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 19, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 20 and 1 p.m. Aug. 21.

In addition to the powwow itself, the event will include: a parade at 11 a.m. Aug. 20; a 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. Saturday; a fun run sponsored by the Mille Lacs Indian Museum at 9 a.m. Sunday.

The Iskigamizigan Powwow Grounds are 12 miles north of Onamia, or two miles north of Grand Casino Mille Lacs, on Highway 169. Security and medical staff will be present; alcohol, drugs and fireworks are prohibited.

For more information, contact Mary Jo Jennings at (320) 532-8867 or Freedom Porter at (320) 532-7496.