21st Annual Saginaw Chippewa Powwow pays homage to ancestors

Observer Staff

8/16/2005 12:00:00 AM

Thousands of powwow-goers visited the Isabella Reservation during Aug. 5-7 for the 21st Annual Saginaw Chippewa Powwow under the theme, "Honor Our Ancestors."

A list of dignitaries included: Head Veteran Dancer George Martin; Host Drum- Meskwaki Nation; Co-Host Drum- Big Bear; Southern Host Drum- Southern Thunder; Emcee Dennis Bowen and Co-Emcee Osecola Redshirt. Head male and female dancers were picked daily.

The event also featured what is believed to be the world's largest pair of authentic Ojibwe moccasins. The "Chi Moccasin" project was coordinated by the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways.

An honor dance also took place on Aug. 7 for the Sprague family in remembrance of Chief Little Elk-for whom the powwow was previously named-and his daughter Eleanor Sprague.