fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Hundreds gathered this past weekend in the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) fieldhouse this past week in Allendale, Michigan, near Grand Rapids, for the 2024 "Celebrating All Walks of Life" Powwow.

On Sunday afternoon, the crowd enjoyed the Native American food, drumming, dancing. One highlight was the potato dance, which is a test to the agility of two dancers who can move in the dance arena with a potato held between their foreheads while keeping it from falling to the floor.

 

(Photo/Sisters, Philomena and Sahara Peay (Potawatomi), enjoyed the potato dance.

Organized by the Grand Valley State University's Native American Student Association (NASA), the two-day powwow was a traditional powwow. NASA worked in strong collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Division of Inclusion and Equity to plan and coordinate this large-scale event. 

All photographs taken by Levi Rickert

More Stories Like This

Artesian Arts Festival Call for Artists
Here's What's Going On in Indian Country Dec. 6 — Dec. 12
The Grand Rapids Public Museum Announces Anishinabek: The People of This Place Exhibit Redesign Collaboration
Vanderbilt Honors Mater; Hushtola Art Market Draws Near
NFL and Nike Partner with Native American Athletic Foundation to Host All-Star Game at Cowboys' Ford Center

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].