GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Veterans carried in numerous flags representing the United States, Canada, branches of the U.S. military and prisoners of war and those missing in action on Saturday at the 43rd “Homecoming of the Three Fires” Powwow along the shores of the Owashtanong, known now as the Grand River, at Riverside Park just north of downtown Grand Rapids, Mich.
By conincidence, Saturday was also Flag Day in the United States.
The Three Fires powwow is named for the three tribes, Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), and Bodéwadmi (Potawaomi) that made what is now Michigan their home before the arrival of Europeans. Today thousands of Native Ameircans, who live in West Michigan, are still part of the three tribes that are referred to as the People of the Three Fires.
The two-day powwow features drumming and dancing in the dance arena. Various booths sell Native American fare, such as Indian tacos, fry bread, wild rice soup, and rainbow trout. Also, vendors sell Native American items, such as black ash baskets, beaded jewelry and ribbon skirts.
The powwow is sponsored by the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians, state recognized tribe, located in Grand Rapids. Co-sponsors are the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan (Gun Lake Tribe) and the City of Grand Rapids.
The Homecoming of the Three Fires continues on Sunday, with grand entry beginning at 12 noon and ends at 5 pm.
Photos by Levi Rickert.
