When the drums started, people moved toward the sound. Some held tape recorders while others held small children. They stood around the perimeter of the group of singers who beat on one large drum with mallets.
Drum groups drove the 21st Annual Pow-wow of Love on Saturday and Sunday at the Jenison Field House. The powwow was put on by the North American Indigenous Student Organization.
"Drummers are the secret to getting people to dance," said Jay Dustybull, a singer in the High Noon drum group from Hobbema, Alberta. "Every group has their own beat."
Dustybull said he grew up with drumming and singing.
"Some kids want to play basketball, some want to sing," he said. "I wanted to sing."
The 10 drum groups formed a circle in the fieldhouse with a space for dancing in the middle. During the Grand Entry, participants who were wearing regalia, or dance outfits, followed two flag bearers into the center.
The dance outfits ranged from "men's fancy," or large, colorful bustles on the man's back, to "women's jingle," with hundreds of tin cones attached to the dress that clanked together when the woman walked.
Each participant stepped or danced with the beat of the drums during the Grand Entry.
"This is a pan-tribal powwow," NAISO co-chair Steve Erskine said. "These people are from all over North America."
Erskine said it took more than $40,000 to put on the powwow, including paying for an arena director, prize money for contest participants and special guests.
After Grand Entry, more events followed, such as a prayer to the Creator, a drum song honoring veterans and intertribal dancing. Contests were held throughout the weekend for dancers to show off their skills.
"I wanted to bring all these natives here," said powwow co-chair Emily Sorroche, explaining she doesn't see many American Indians on campus. The music education junior also said she wanted students to see the culture.
NAISO co-chair Ashley Harding said powwows aren't all of what American Indians do.
"This is looking at one aspect," the pre-veterinary medicine sophomore said.
It is, however, a great way for American Indians to share their culture, she said.
"If you haven't seen a person in a while, you'll see them at a powwow," she said.
