fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The powwow grounds became completely silent on Saturday afternoon right before the grand entry of the Grand Valley American Indian Lodge’s 60th Annual Powwow at Riverside Park, in Grand Rapids, Mich. to observe a moment of silence in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

“It was amazing how the park was completely silent,” Lori Shustha, director of the Grand Valley American Indian Lodge (GVAIL) said to Native News Online. The GVAIL wanted people to remember the importance of the day.

Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.

Saturday’s event was the first powwow held in Grand Rapids in two years because both annual powwows, the GVAIL and the Homecoming of the Three Fires Powwow, were canceled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Held every June, the Homecoming of the Three Fires Powwow was also canceled this year because of the ongoing pandemic in the state of Michigan. 

Shustha was pleased with the size of the crowd on Saturday. There were long lines into the parking lot and to purchase food. 

The powwow continues on Sunday, Sept. 12 with the grand entry beginning at 12 noon. Masks are encourged. 

Grand Entry on Saturday afternoon before a large crowd. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

Traditional male dancers. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

Little River Band of Ottawa Tribal Councilor Ron Wittenberg carries in his tribe's eagle staff. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

10-month-old Ojibwe attends her first powwow. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

The powwow continues on Sunday in Grand Rapids, Mich. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

More Stories Like This

Potential First Native American Federal Judge in Oklahoma Advances Toward Senate Confirmation
Photos from the 2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit
Native News Weekly (December 10, 2023): D.C. Briefs
December 10th is the 75th Human Rights Day
Vice President Harris Addresses Indian Boarding Schools at the White House Tribal Nations Summit

 
In a world filled with inaccurate narratives about Native Americans, we spotlight the overlooked, unheard and underrepresented stories that are often overlooked by the mainstream media. Our journalism is free for all to read, but it is not free to produce. Your donation provides the much-needed financial support for us to produce inclusive Indigenous journalism that inspires, informs and uplifts Native Americans. Thank you for being a force behind our work. Together, we are rewriting the narrative.
 
About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].