The rhythmic ‘whomp’ of the big drums and the irresistible fragrance of fry bread are two solid signs of the beginning of the Native American pow wow season. Hosted by U-M, the Ann Arbor Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow, now in its 33rd year, is one of the premier gatherings of the season.
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Visitors will enjoy authentic Native American cultural activities, including champion dance and drum competitions and exhibits by dozens of award-winning artists at the weekend event April 2-3 at Crisler Arena. Pow Wow participants travel from across the United States and Canada to compete and to display their art.
“The Ann Arbor Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow is a rare opportunity to share in honoring Native American ancestors, elders, traditions and cultures, and Native contributions to our collective history,” says Patricia Aqui Pacania, director of the Office of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, a sponsor of the event. “The Pow Wow is a time for the University, Ann Arbor and regional communities to come together and celebrate.”
Traditional foods and crafts will be available for purchase at the alcohol- and substance-free event, which attracts thousands of competitors, artists, vendors and spectators each year.
“The Pow Wow committee, which is comprised of the Native student community, has worked endless hours to pull the Pow Wow together and we are excited to see that our hard work is paying off,” says Matt Stehney, Native American Student Association co-chair.
The Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow schedule:
• Saturday, April 2: Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; ceremonial grand entries at noon and 7 p.m. Activities continue until 10 p.m.;
• Sunday, April 3: Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; grand entry at noon. Pow Wow closes at 5 p.m.
Ticket prices for the family-friendly event are: $10 per day for adults; $7 for students ages 13-17 and college students with ID; $5 per day for seniors ages 60 and older, and for children 4-12; children ages 3 and under will be admitted without charge.
Daily family passes are available for $25, and weekend passes may be purchased by individuals of all ages for $15.
Advance tickets for individuals, family and weekend passes, and group sales are available by calling the Michigan Union Ticket Office at (734) 763-8587. Group ticket sales other than family passes will be not available at the door.
The Pow Wow is a volunteer-driven effort; people interested in lending a hand can contact the committee at powwow05volunteers@
umich.edu.
The Pow Wow is sponsored by Native American Student Association, U-M Chapter of the American Indian Science & Engineering Society, Native American Public Health Association, Native American Programming Task Force, Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs and the Division of Student Affairs.
For more information, call the Pow Wow hotline at (734) 647-6999, Matt Stehney at (734) 763-9044 or e-mail [email protected].
