Are you planning on doing the Lake Superior Circle Tour? Are you looking for an Indigenous Cultural Experience? Look no further. Pow wows are amazing and something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. You may end up loving it and wanting to attend more. Below you will find helpful information about attending Pow wows and the locations and dates around Lake Superior.
General Information for attending a Pow Wow
Pow wows are beautiful Indigenous spiritual celebrations. The energy is positive and sacred. If you have never attended a Pow wow it is a highly recommended memorable experience. Learn for yourself firsthand about Indigenous cultures.
Every Pow wow will have a Master of Ceremony. The M.C. will provide important information about the dances, the songs and the general rules and etiquette to follow. It is extremely important to listen to the M.C. to know when it is appropriate to take photos and when it is not. It is always respectful to ask permission before you take a photo of a dancer, singer, or drummer.
Pow wows can be traditional or competitive. Both are celebrations and allow participants to show pride. They can also be held outdoors or indoors and in all seasons. Most are free admission, and everyone is welcome. The modern pow wows are well organized by committees that have been preparing for weeks or months in advance to assure that things go smoothly for all guests and participants. Here are some helpful pointers to make you feel confident to attend a pow wow.
- Bring your own chair for an outdoor Pow wow. Not all outdoor Pow wow grounds have seating available. It is more common to find abundant seating at the indoor Pow wows.
- Respectful language and behaviour are always expected. Shouting and horseplay are not tolerated.
- No pets allowed.
- Wear appropriate clothing (no offensive words or graphics)
- No drugs or alcohol allowed. Zero tolerance, this also includes consuming alcohol the day before you attend as well.
- Participate in the dancing if you feel comfortable and when the M.C. lets you know it is o.k.
- Support the vendors. Treat yourself and eat the delicious food. Buy some beautiful earrings, beading, leather or handmade arts and crafts. You will find some one-of-a-kind cultural items.
- The dancers are wearing ‘Regalia’. It is not a costume. Use the appropriate term. Be respectful.
- Ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Talk to people, make friends, it is o.k. to inquire about culture and traditions.
- Have fun. Embrace the music and energy of the dancers. Pow wows are family friendly events that you will remember forever.
Lake Superior Circle Tour – Pow Wow Locations and Dates
MICHIGAN
Sault Ste. Marie
‘Summer Gathering Pow Wow’
Hosted by : Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
When : First weekend of July, annual. Free admission
Where : Sault Tribe Reservation, entrance at Bahweting Drive. Outdoor event.
Marquette
‘Learning to Walk Together Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Northern Michigan University’s Native American Student Association
When: Annual event, end of March
Where: Indoor event: 1820 Lincoln Avenue, Marquette. Small admission fee.
L’Anse Reservation
‘Maawanjiding Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
When: Third weekend of July. Free admission.
Where: The ‘Objibway’ Campgrounds in Baraga MI, outdoor event
WISCONSIN
Bad River Reservation
‘Manoomin (Wild Rice) Festival and Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Bad River Reservation and the Bad River Lodge and Casino host hotel
When: Third weekend in August, annual event. Free Admission
Where: Outdoor event at the Bad River Pow wow ground, Odanah Wisconsin
What: Wild Rice is an integral part of Ojibway history. The Bad River Tribe celebrates the growth and harvest of this natural staple with traditional dancing, singing, food and canoe races. A true celebration of food and culture.
Red Cliff Reservation
‘Noojimo’iwewin Minawaa Nodjimowin Pow Wow’
Hosted By: Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
When: Annual summer event, Fourth weekend of July. Free Admission
Where: Outdoor event at the Miskwaabedong’s Red Cliff Pow wow Grounds. Hwy 13 & Aiken Road (north of Bayfield). Nestled along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Northwest Wisconsin
Red Cliff Reservation
‘Legendary Waters Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
When: Annual ‘Winter’ Pow wow, third weekend of January
Where: Legendary Waters Resort and Casino, indoor event.
MINNESOTA
Grand Portage
‘Rendezvous Days and Traditional Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa “Gichi Onigaming”
When: Annual event 2nd week of August
Where: Grand Portage Heritage Visitor Center, Grand Portage National Monument
What: This is a free admission family fun weekend. Visitors can expect a weekend packed with cultural events from 1800 to 1900’s. Fur trade reenactors come to Grand Portage to participate in this celebration, coinciding with the Traditional Pow wow. You won’t want to miss this exciting pow wow and cultural experience.
ONTARIO – Superior Country & Algoma Country
SUPERIOR COUNTRY
Thunder Bay
‘Fort William First Nations Pow Wow’ – summer and fall
Hosted by: Fort William First Nation
When: Annual event, July 1st weekend. Free admission
Annual event, last weekend of September (fall pow wow). Free admission
Where: Mt. Mckay (Anemkii Wajiw) Pow wow grounds
Thunder Bay
‘Lakehead University Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Lakehead University Native Students Association
When: Annual event, second weekend in March
Where: Indoor event at the Lakehead University Field House
Nipigon, Lake Helen Reserve
Lake Helen “Opwaaganasiniing Pow wow’
Hosted by: Red Rock Indian Band
When: Annual event, third weekend of July. Free admission
Where: Lake Helen Pow wow grounds (just past the Hwy #17 & Hwy #11 junction)
Pays Plat
Pays Plat First Nation Pow wow
Hosted by: Pays Plat First Nation
When: Third weekend of July. Free Admission
Where: Located at the Pays Plat Pow Wow Grounds, off Hwy #17. Outdoor event.
Nearby communities are Rossport and Schreiber.
Pic River
‘Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Pow Wow’
Hosted By: Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation
When: Annual event, second weekend of July. Free admission
Where: Located at the Biitigong Nishnaabeg Pow wow grounds (End of Hwy 627, turn right before the Pic River bridge). Near by community is Marathon.
Pic Mobert
‘Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Pic Mobert First Nation
When: Annual event, first week of August
Where: Pic Mobert Pow wow grounds off Hwy #17, 20 Km East of community of White River
GREENSTONE- Highway #11
Rocky Bay
‘Biinjintiwaabek Zaaging Anishinaabek Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Rocky Bay First Nation (BZA First Nation)
When: Third weekend of August. Free Admission. Outdoor event
Where: Rocky Bay Pow Wow grounds, off the shores of Lake Nipigon (MacDiarmid).
Long Lake #58
‘Long Lake Traditional Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Long Lake First Nation #58
When: First weekend of July
Where: Directly on the Trans Canada Hwy #11, along the NE shores of beautiful Long Lake. Adjacent to the town of Longlac in the Municipality of Greenstone.
Long Lake #77
Ginoogaming First Nation Traditional Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Ginoogaming First Nation
When: Third weekend in August, annual event
Where: Ginoogaming First Nations Pow Wow Grounds, near by community is Longlac in the Municipality of Greenstone.
Constance Lake First Nation #92
‘Constance Lake First Nation Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Constance Lake First Nation
When: Annual event, second weekend of August
Where: Located at the Eagles Earth Cultural Centre (Nearby communities are Hearst and Cochrane)
ALGOMA COUNTRY
Sault Ste. Marie, Gathering Rapids (Algoma University)
‘Gathering Rapids Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Shingwauk Anishnaabe Students Association (SASA) and the Anishnaabe Initiatives Division of Algoma University
When: Annual event, first weekend of March
Where: Indoors event at the George Leach Centre, Algoma University
Sault Ste. Marie, Batchewana Bay Reserve
‘Batchewana First Nation Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Batchewana First Nation
When: Annual event, Labour Day weekend first weekend of September. Free admission
Where: Rankin pow wow grounds
Sault Ste. Marie, Garden River Reserve
‘Ketegaunseebee Pow Wow’
Hosted by: Garden River First Nations
When: Annual event, first weekend of August. Free Admission
Where: Garden River Pow wow grounds on Prince Charles Road
