EAST LANSING, Mich.(WLNS)— Passing the torch, and weaving the bonds between generations was the theme for MSU’s Powwow of Love.
Michigan State College hosted its thirty ninth annual ‘Powwow of Love’ Saturday morning.
The occasion featured singing, dancing, and music inside Indigenous cultures.
The North American Pupil Group hosted the ceremony.
(WLNS)
Carman Cameron, Powwow Co-Chair, says the occasion helps educate the general public about indigenous cultures and their historical past.
“The biggest thing I would recommend for non-indigenous people is to educate yourself,” stated Cameron. “Look into things, and actually work to understand it, because a lot of the times it’s not going to be on mainstream media. I recommend looking up boarding schools, and researching about that.”
Cameron says she grew up on the Bay Mills Indian Group Reservation and is grateful for the chance to find out about her heritage.
She additionally acknowledges the hardships her elders needed to face.
“I mean we didn’t have freedom of religion until 1978, and I feel like people don’t think about that a lot,” stated Cameron. “So, my dad he was, he must go deep into the woods to go to Powwows, and would not have the ability to discuss it.”
Cameron says the occasion introduced Native individuals from New York, Wisconsin, and even Ontario.
Keenan Hoffman, a performer from the Sioux Tribe of Chippewa Indians, says it’s his first time dancing, and even carrying conventional regalia.
“This was actually a gift. The beadwork before it was put on the turban,” said Hoffman. “It was a gift to my girlfriend for her high school graduation. It’s nice to be able to wear a part of not only like, heritage, but also love at the same time.”
