Dressed in ornate regalia accentuated with vibrant colors, eagle feathers, bells and shawls, several dancers, singers and drummers brought a weekend of Native American culture to MSU.
More than 2,000 people showed up for the 18th annual Pow Wow of Love, which took place Saturday and Sunday at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.
The event was presented by North American Indian Student Organization, and NAISO member Tianna Ferris said she was pleased by the turnout.
“I think it’s a huge success,” the Spanish junior said. “The people just keep coming.”
The pavilion was alive with sounds as various groups performed traditional songs to the beat of a drum throughout the weekend.
The Host Drum accompanied the entrance of the Head Dancers, chiefs, clan leaders, veterans and elders into the arena during Grand Entry ceremonies throughout the weekend. More than 100 dancers of all ages performed competitively in categories such as hoop dancing, grass dancing, jingle dancing and fancy dancing, bringing variety to the celebration.
William Sayers of the Garden River First Nation in Garden River, Ontario, competed in the men’s traditional category and said dancing at the powwow provides him a sense of fulfillment.
“It makes me feel good inside to see the elders looking at me, watching me,” he said.
“And it makes them happy.”
Taylor, Mich., resident Jim Klein, who has been dancing for 35 years, also competed in the traditional category. He said he’s always enjoyed NAISO’s powwow, which he has attended since it began 18 years ago.
“I get to see old friends and plus it’s a good powwow,” said Klein, dressed in full regalia covered with reds, oranges and plenty of feathers.
Those who attended the powwow could visit vendors from various regions of the United States and Canada selling goods such as jewelry, beads, drums, clothing, paintings and pottery.
Another vendor offered Native American delicacies, such as fried bread, corn soup, sassafras tea, buffalo burgers and venison.
NAISO members put more than 20 hours of work per week - starting last fall - into this year’s event and organization co-president Lauren Campbell said the effort certainly paid off.
“I’m very glad that everything has been going over smoothly,” the journalism senior said. “Everyone’s been really willing to do the work and that’s made it easier on everyone.”
Campbell said her favorite part of the powwow is listening to the drums, which are often referred to as the “heartbeat of the community.”
“I love listening to the drums,” she said. “When I hear them in the morning, it really gets me going and it keeps your spirits up all day.”
Sheena Harrison can be reached at harri188@msu.edu.
