Popular community event to enliven Crisler for 34th year

Though the Ann Arbor Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow has grown into a nationally recognized gathering of Native American and non-native communities, directors of the event are striving to imbue it with a predominately Great Lakes flavor, says Matt Stehney, a member of the Native American Student Association (NASA) and three-year veteran of Pow Wow planning.

Pow Wow dancers compete for prizes and recognition in traditional, grass dance, fancy and jingle dress categories. Contests are divided by gender and age, with participants ranging from the very young to seniors. Dancers and their families spend hundreds of hours preparing their regalia, which may be made from fabric, yarn, hides and feathers. Fans, bells, mirrors, staffs and other ornaments add to the complexity and individuality of each dancer's presentation. (File photos by Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services)

"In past years we'd been inviting a largely national group of vendors, dancers and drums," Stehney says. "But we're within a rich Great Lakes Native culture that we're anxious to express. The Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow carries an area-specific dynamic that's a good fit for our community."

The focus may be designed to amplify Great Lakes cultures, but the range of the Pow Wow experience is consistently broad. The March 25-26 event offers artworks in a variety of media, books and recordings, crafts and crafting supplies, contemporary and traditional Native foods, and information on social and political issues currently challenging the community at large.

Dance contests in several categories swirl on the Crisler main floor throughout both days, with rhythmic and vocal accompaniment by competing drum groups. Regular "inter-tribal" dances permit members of the audience to join Native American dancers in a large, slow-moving circle.

Fundamental themes of honor and respect pervade the gathering, expressed through opening and closing prayers, special giveaways, and an overarching commitment to tradition and heritage.

Hubert Williams, Native American program coordinator in the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA), says, "The Dance for Mother Earth is a chance for us to recognize the harmony, beauty and renewal we enjoy with each new season. We're paying homage to our Mother, and to our Creator, with songs and dancing."

Angela Muñoz, MESA associate director, emphasizes the importance of University support to the Pow Wow's excellence and longevity. "The University promotes and continues to celebrate this Pow Wow as a way to recognize the richness of culture and character brought to the U. by the Native American students and the greater Native community," she says. "Without the partnership between students both past and present, the University and the greater community, the Dance for Mother Earth would likely not be approaching its 34th year."

The Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow schedule:

• March 25: Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; ceremonial grand entries at noon and
7 p.m. Activities continue until 10 p.m.;

• March 26: Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; grand entry at noon. Pow Wow closes
at 6 p.m.

Ticket prices for the family-friendly event are: $10 per day for adults; $7 per day for students ages 13-17 with ID and college students with ID; $5 per day for seniors ages 60 and older, and for children 4-12; children ages 3 and under are admitted without charge. Daily family passes are available for $25 and weekend passes may be purchased by individuals of all ages for $15.

Advance tickets for individuals, family and weekend passes, and group sales are strongly encouraged. They are available by calling the Michigan Union Ticket Office at (734) 763-8587. Group ticket sales other than family passes are not available at the door.

The Pow Wow is a volunteer-driven effort; people interested in lending a hand can contact the committee at barino@umich.edu.

The Ann Arbor Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow is hosted by the Native American Student Association, U-M chapter of the American Indian Science & Engineering Society, Native American Law Student Association, Native American Public Health Association, Native American Programming Task Force, and MESA, a Division of Student Affairs.

For more information, call Hubert Williams at (734) 763-9044, the Pow Wow hotline at (734) 647-6999, or e-mail powwow06@umich.edu.