The Nibiikaa Pow Wow will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Escanaba's Municipal Dock. There will be arts and craft vendors, drums and dancers and food and drink vendors.
SCHEDULE
11 A.M. — VENDORS / DEMONSTRATIONS
1 - 5 P.M. — GRAND ENTRY / DANCING
5 P.M. — BREAK / NO FEAST MEAL
6 - 8 P.M. — GRAND ENTRY / DANCING
As emcee, Rodney Loonsfoot of Baraga, MI, brings an energy and knowledge to the gathering as he describes the activities at the dance arena. He is an Anishinaabe Ojibwe Marine veteran and respected Keweenaw Bay Indian Community leader.
The host drum, Gii Taa'se Singers, is a Northern-style drum group with experience as a host or invited drum throughout the Great Lakes and Midwest regions. They are frequently featured at pow wows in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Kelly Tovar is the cultural activities coordinator in Escanaba for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is experienced in working with vendors at pow wows. Contact her to reserve space for the Nibiikaa Pow Wow.
Skip Blanc has been involved in presenting pow wows since his teenage years, active with his family in past Mid-Winter Pow Wows in Escanaba. He is a councilmember for the Brothertown Indian Nation in Wisconsin and leads the pow wow there in April.
POW WOW DETAILS
• Location: The inaugural event is held directly on the scenic shores of Little Bay de Noc in Escanaba, Michigan, providing a significant, nature-focused backdrop.
• Significance: "Nibiikaa" refers to an abundance or a lot of water. As a traditional pow wow, the event emphasizes the celebration of culture, focusing on authentic, non-competitive, or community-focused dancing rather than competition.
• Activities: The event features traditional drumming, singing, and dancing, including styles such as shaw, fancy, and traditional dancers.
• Atmosphere: Participants can expect a gathering aimed at honoring Native American culture, food, and crafts in a respectful, celebratory way.
• Purpose: The pow wow serves as a space for honoring cultural heritage and strengthening community ties.
This event is a significant cultural marker for the area, bringing traditional, community-focused celebrations to the Escanaba waterfront.
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