Annual pow-wow celebrates Native American culture

By Laurie Lenten

The 37th Annual Bear River Pow-Wow will be held Friday through Sunday, July 12-14, at the Bear River Pow-Wow Grounds in the Old Indian Village in Lac du Flambeau.

Members of tribes from across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, as well as other parts of the country, will come together to celebrate this traditional three-day pow-wow, which will include Native American Arts and Crafts for sale, Native American Ethnic stands, as well as a variety of other food stands and vendors.

According to Teresa Mitchell, director of the George W. Brown Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center in Lac du Flambeau, a traditional pow-wow, which does not feature dancing contests, is a cultural event that is open to the public.

“If you have never been to a pow-wow you are missing a very eventful experience. A pow-wow introduces you to different tribes, different music and different dancing,” said Mitchell.

If you Go
The Bear River Pow-Wow will kick-off on Friday evening at 7 p.m. with the Grand Entry. Traditionally the Grand Entry was a parade through the town in which the pow-wow was held. Today it is the entrance of all the people entering the arena. During the “Grand Entry” everyone is asked to stand as flags – the U.S. flag, tribal flags, the POW flag and the eagle staffs of various native nations present – are brought into the arena, usually by veterans, followed by important guests such as tribal chiefs, princesses, elders, and Pow-Wow organizers. Grand Entries will also be held Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Dancing will continue throughout the weekend until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The 37th Annual Bear River Pow-Wow is open to the public. Entrance fees are $7 per person per day or weekend wristbands are available for $10. Bleacher seating is available. It is recommended to bring a blanket or cushion to sit on.
For more information on the 37th Annual Bear River Pow-Wow, call Teresa Mitchell at 715-588-3333, or visit www.lacduflambeauchamber.com.

Laurie Lenten is a freelance writer who lives in Rhinelander. Her articles also appear in Northwoods Commerce, Northwoods ‘boomers and Beyond and Living on the Lake magazines.