Lansing - The strands of Jessica Kota’s white shawl laid still as she stood attentively, ready to dance.
Dressed in her pink, purple and white regalia - traditional Native American clothing- Kota, a Central Michigan University student, quickly moved into intricate dance steps.
Kota was the lead female dancer for the 10th annual Great Lakes Anishnaabek Traditional Pow Wow at Lansing Community College, but this was not the first time she has participated in the event.
“My family has always been very involved in our culture,” she said.
“I think it’s important to explore other cultures so there is a general awareness.”
Powwows are a way for Native Americans to represent their culture as well as extend friendship to other people, said Don Lyons, powwow co-chairman for MSU’s North American Indian Student Organization.
Lyons said Native Americans pass down their culture through their children.
“You’re just brought up this way,” he said.
Lyons and four other men sang as part of the the powwow.
“We’ve all been singing in different drum groups,” he said.
Seated in a circle around the traditional hide drum, the singers set rhythms to the songs and dances, which symbolize the heartbeat of the people, Mother Earth and nations.
Lyons said most powwows are similar, with head dancers, singers and a master of ceremonies. But this Pow Wow featured two groups - Nationwide and Southern Echo - that demonstrated a variety of music styles.
“It’s a great mixture,” Lyons, a singer for Nationwide, said of the Northern and Southern sounds of the two groups.
The powwow featured a variety of styles of songs and dances, from the Veteran’s Song to Exhibition Dancing.
Native Americans in regalia as well as those dressed in regular clothing were welcomed to participate.
The Veteran’s Song is a meaningful part of the Native American powwow because it’s a time for everyone to respect those who have fought to protect their culture, Lyons said.
“As native people, it’s important to honor our veterans,” he said.
Most songs lasted a few minutes, Lyons said, but the Hoop Dance is much longer. The song featured one man dancing with several large hoops wrapped between his arms and legs.
The Hoop Dance can only be performed by those who have been trained, Lyons said.
“The circle represents Mother Earth, circle of life and all the people intertwined,” he said. “It’s a good symbol for the nations coming together.”
