One last event on the Leelanau Peninsula we were fortunate to see was the annual Pow Wow of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. We had missed several pow wows when we traveled out west, but this one was only 20 miles up the road. No didn’t want to miss it! The tribe has their Reservation at Peshawbestown (shaw-be-town) just a little north of Sutton’s Bay. It’s a drive that once again follows along the scenic drive of Grand Traverse Bay lakeshore. There are so many lakes in this area…all feeding in some manner off of Lake Michigan. In fact, Lake Michigan is believed to have come from the Chippewa Indian word “meicigama” meaning“great water”.
Upon arriving at the pow wow, we passed the tribal medicine lodge and other buildings such as a community center and childcare center. The reservation was well cared for with other buildings and trails planned for the future in their community. The Tribe owns and operates two gaming establishments: the Leelanau Sands Casino and the Turtle Creek Casino. Several motels, convention centers, convenience store, and the Grand Traverse Resort are also owned by the Tribe of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
Stepping out of the car, we could hear the drums beating and the chanting of the singers who were performing in the “drum”. The beats of the drum represent the heartbeat of Mother Earth while the dancers travel around in a circle representing the unity of the people and the way they should stay in touch with Mother Earth. The sounds of this beating drum and the traditional singing was extremely stirring even from a distance.
Getting closer to the crowd that gathered, we could begin to see the many members of the tribe in their colorful and beautiful array of beads, buckskin, and feathers. One is to refer to their clothing as “regalia” or “outfits“, but never as costumes. Ornaments have special meaning and many are handmade outfits, which can cost thousands of dollars. All are cherished and frequently are heirlooms and maybe delicate. No one is to touch the dancers regalia for this reason. This was one of the many traditions of etiquette that we learned at the gathering.
We arrived early enough to see the opening ceremonies take place. The first was the Grand Entry. The host drum led all participating dancers in with a special song. The Flag Song was sung right after the Grand Entry with the posting of the colors of all branches of the service by members of tribes who had served their country in various wars. There is a prayer for all native and non-native people as a blessing.
Indian people have never lost respect and connection to their warriors. Pow wows often recognize and honor veterans, as they are today’s equivalent of the warriors of old. Once the prayer was over, all veterans were called into the circle to be honored as they danced around within the arena.
Frank joined in and there was much handshaking and greeting of “warrior to warrior”. Frank got into the “beat” of the drum and fell into step with the seasoned dancers…maybe it was his Portuguese heritage coming through; it was truly an amazing sight to see! Unfortunately, I could not take a picture at this time because this was another protocol that had to be followed. There were times the spectators were asked not to take photographs during certain ceremonies. One also had to ask permission to photograph individuals especially outside of the dance ring. Guess I should have cheated and snapped a shot, but then there were lots of fierce looking warriors about who might have had my scalp!!
Whatever the tradition of photo taking, there were ample opportunities to document our day at the Chippewa/Ottawa Pow Wow. We enjoyed our afternoon of learning about the traditions of an American people and the heritage and customs they so proudly exhibit. It was another great day that left our memories sated with vivid colors and sounds.
Did You Know…
…that there are more than 550 Indian tribes in the US today
…that 1 in every 130 people living in the US today is a Native
American
…that 27 of 50 US states derive their names form Indian words
…that per capita more Native Americans people have served in the
Armed services than any other ethnic group
…that Indian Reservations are sovereign lands within the US-
With their own laws, courts, governments, and police forces?
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