- Details
- By Levi Rickert
ALLENDALE, Mich. — The sounds of bells on ankles were heard as dancers prepared for the powwow mixed the arouma of Indian frybread being prepared, as parents assisted put finishing touches on their children's regalia, in the fieldhouse on Saturday. Shortly after 1 p.m. the 22nd Annual Celebrating All Walks of Life Powwow was underway at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Allendale, Michigan, near Grand Rapids, this weekend.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the first time the powwow has been held since 2019 at GVSU.
"It was nice to see the return of the powwow after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. To welcome back and to celebrate with our community is exciting," Lin Bardwell (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), assistant director in GVSU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, said.
Shannon Martin (Potawatomi/Ojibwe) served as the emcee. She guided attendees to the powwow etiquitte throughout the powwow.
Native News Online's reporter, Neely Bardwell (Odawa), is a fancy shawl dancer.
For Om Mohapatra, an Asain Indian, Saturday's event was his first powwow he ever attended. A student at Lansing Community College, he attended with his girlfriend, who is Odawa.
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/photos-from-the-grand-valley-state-university-powwow#sigProIdb1a7d6055d
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (December 22, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Washington Post Reports Indian School Deaths are Three Times What the Federal Governement Reported
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: How Native Americans in Congress Voted
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.
