The sounds of drumming and singing to welcome spring will be heard at the Rainy River Community College gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
The eighth annual Ziigwan International Unity Traditional Powwow organized by the Anishinaabe Student Coalition and RRCC, is a celebration of the spring season and an opportunity to make and renew friendships, said Steven Briggs, Indigenous Services director and advisor at RRCC.
“The powwow will show respect across generations,” Briggs said. “The powwow is a very spiritual event.”
This year, the event will feature many of the popular aspects of a traditional powwow including the grand entry scheduled for 1 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.
Ziigwan means spring and the powwow will feature drummers, singers and dancers from various Indian tribes and nations in the United States and Canada.
However, Briggs was quick to welcome everyone regardless of their background. “This is a community event,” he said. “Absolutely everyone is welcome.”
Briggs spoke with obvious pride as he recalled the friendships he has made at previous powwows and hopes the trend carries on for all who attend.
“Powwows are time to create new friendships and renew old ones,” he explained. “It is a time to welcome the new and remember those who have passed.”
Briggs said last year’s powwow had “quite the regional turnout” and he said he hopes that will be repeated with this year’s event.
A free dinner will be offered at 5 p.m. and prizes will be given away throughout the day. The event is free of charge and is drug and alcohol free. For more information, contact Briggs at 285-2228.
