Friendships were formed and spring — or what is supposed to be spring — was celebrated at Rainy River Community College Saturday during the ninth annual Ziigwan International Unity Traditional Powwow. The traditional event was organized by the Anishinaabe Student Coalition with guidance of RRCC Indigenous Services Director Steven Briggs. Bessie Mainville, one of the elders taking part in the celebration, in English and Ojibwa said, “I am happy to see the people come together and celebrate dance and songs.”
Tradition continues
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Quanah Tonihka, 11, of the White Earth Nation, dons traditional garments for the ninth annual Ziigwan International Unity Traditional Powwow at Rainy River Community College Saturday.
Wearing one of the more colorful dresses, Danielle Richey, 10, twirls and spins during the Grand Entry of the powwow.
Twin sisters Angel, left, and Rose Kingbird, test their drumming talent during Saturday's powwow.
A man makes his way around the drumming circle during one of the Grand Entry dances. The circle is a basic symbol of life and continuity shared by almost every Native nation. The drum, the earth, the sun are all circles; life and seasonal cycles are also described as circles of experience and existence. Dancers move in a clockwise circle at a powwow because for many nations, that is said to be the direction of life itself.
Ed Kingbird Jr. sings during his group's turn in the drum rotation.
Bessie Mainville dons a jingle dress, the traditional regalia worn by women for powwows.
A colorful group of younger powwow attendees pause their dance during the flag song.
Flags are presented during the flag song Saturday. Similar to the National Anthem, the flag song is the Native American way of honoring traditional native, state and American flags. Patriotism and valor are highly respected in Native American culture.
A woman carries a fan made out of feathers, something commonly seen being held at powwows.
A woman gracefully makes her way around the drumming circle.
