fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

Grand Valley State University's Office of Multicultural Affairs closed out the month of March with Indigi-Fest, a 2022 expo experience that celebrated Anishinabeck heritage with local speakers and perforrmers. 

Indigi-Fest was held in lieu of the spiring powwow because of the COVID-19 threat. Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, Mich. with other campuses in West Michigan.

"Instead of our traditional spring powwow, our Native American Student Association (NASA) decided to conduct a campus cultural exchange in a way that encouraged open dialogue with our presenters. We had various university classes come to our presentations as part of their curriculum," Lin Bardwell (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), Native American Student Initiative Coordinator at Grand Valley State University said. "This lent itself to personal engagement between our local Indigenous community and our campus community."

Lin Bardwell

Attendees heard about Anhishnabe heritage with presentations on the Indiegnous food sovereignty movement, traditional black ash basket making and wood carving. 

On both days the afternoon session ended with powwow dancers and a drum. Students were afforded explanations on various powwow dances.

"The regalia that we wear comes to us in a divine way. It comes to us through the colors and feathers. It's laid upon us through the spirit. We believe that the creation and the manifestation of this regalia is a spiritual thing," Punkin Shananaquet (Potawotami/Ojibwe), a respected jingle dress dancer from Hopkins, Mich., explained to the students.

"It's a bond between us and the Creator, between us and our children, between us and our spirits, between us and my spirit name, and  between us and our planet," Shananquet continued. 

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

Because powwows were not geneally accepted by non-Native people during much of the 1900s, Shananquet said Native people did not have books on how to make their regalia. As the powwows became more accepted during the 1970s, especially after the American Indian Religious Freedom Act was enacted in 1978, Native people had to rely on the spiritual inspiration to create the regalia worn by powwow dancers.

Mike Medawis (Ottawa/Potawatomi/Ho-Chunk) provided drumming and singing on Thursday. He spoke about various songs that are given for thanksgiving and honor.

"There is a responsibility that goes with singing and drumming. I've been blessed because I learned to drum as a kid. There were programs that I went to practice. So, I'm thankful for that," Medawis said.

Free Indigenous food samples, such as wild rice, were offered.

Bardwell says the event was so successful, Indigi-Fest will be back on campus next year. 

More Stories Like This

Associated Press Reports on Chronic Absenteeism Among Native Students
The Tribal College and University Building Bridges Grant Program Selects Second Cohort of Awardees
UNM’s Institute for American Indian Education Clebrates 20 Years
GVSU’s “Indigi-Fest” Emphasized Sovereignty and Culture During Native American Heritage Month Celebration
Exploring Native American Identities through Indigenous Art

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Levi Rickert
Author: Levi RickertEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Levi "Calm Before the Storm" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at [email protected].