Celebrate Culture and Community at CMU’s “Celebrating Life” Pow Wow

Central Michigan University acknowledges that it sits on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabe people. The strong partnership between the university and the Tribe focuses on supporting Native students and sharing Indigenous culture with the CMU community. The Tribe and university collaborate on educational programs, cultural events, and outreach to strengthen ties and promote understanding. The pow wow is a key part of this relationship, creating an opportunity for both Native and non-Native people to come together, celebrate, and learn. The event includes traditional dances, delicious fry bread, and the chance to buy beadwork and other crafts from local Anishinaabe artists. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, the pow wow is a great way to connect with the community and honor Indigenous traditions.

The pow wow begins with the grand entry, where dancers in regalia enter the arena. Throughout the event, the emcee provides insight into the songs and dances, helping everyone understand their significance.

• Women’s Jingle Dance: Represents prayers for healing through rhythmic movements and jingling cones.
• Fancy Shawl Dance: A lively dance symbolizing the grace and beauty of a butterfly, complete with colorful shawls.
• Women’s Traditional Dance: A slower, graceful dance with decorated regalia, often standing still in rhythm with the drum.
• Men’s Fancy Dance: A fast-paced, energetic dance with elaborate regalia and high steps.
• Men’s Grass Dance: A representation of young men stomping down tall grass, featuring flowing, multicolored fringe regalia.
• Men’s Traditional Dance: A dignified, powerful dance honoring the traditions of fathers and grandfathers.

Attending a pow wow is an opportunity to engage with Anishinaabe culture in a respectful way. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Listen to the Emcee: The emcee guides the event and explains when to stand, sit, or participate. Pay attention to their instructions for a smooth and respectful experience.
• Ask Before Taking Photos: Some moments, such as sacred dances or ceremonies, require privacy and respect. Always ask for permission before taking photos to ensure you don’t disrupt the cultural significance of the event.
• Respect the Dance Arena: The dance arena is a sacred space. Only dancers in regalia should enter unless an intertribal dance is announced, inviting others to join.
• Don’t Touch Regalia: Regalia is deeply personal and meaningful, representing cultural heritage. Admire the regalia from a distance and never touch it without permission.

Pow wows provide a unique opportunity to support Native artists and food vendors. Enjoy fry bread, whether as an Indian taco, a blanket dog, or topped with strawberry shortcake. Don’t miss the corn soup, a delicacy deeply tied to Anishinaabe traditions.

Indigenous artisans will be selling handcrafted beadwork, ribbon skirts, sweet grass, and more. Purchasing from these vendors helps preserve cultural traditions and supports the artists who carry them forward.

The Central Michigan University “Celebrating Life” Pow wow is a time to come together, listen, learn, and be part of something meaningful. Whether you are new to pow wows or have attended many, there is always something to experience and appreciate.

Come for the food, the music, and the performances, but most importantly, come with an open heart and mind to honor and celebrate Anishinaabe traditions.

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To learn more about Indigenous culture and the rich heritage of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, Click Here.