"Powwow of Love" Kicks Off Powwow Season in Michigan

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

5,000 Love Powwow

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - Even with the mild winter the state of Michigan is experiencing this year with less than normal snowfalls, attendees on Saturday at Michigan State University's 29th Annual "Powwow of Love" saw it as an opportunity for those suffering from "cabin fever" to get out and see family and friends.

“This powwow kicks off powwows in Michigan,”

stated MSU student Jessica Rivard, a tribal citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa, who was working the North American Indigenous Student Organization table, where "Powwow of Love" t-shirts were sold to help offset the cost of the powwow.

“This powwow is the biggest student-run event each year on the Michigan State campus,”

continued Rivard.

The event is called the "Powwow of Love" because the powwow is held annually on a Saturday close to Valentine's Day.

“It's a nice powwow to see my friends and reacquaint with those I have not seen all winter,”

said Terry Chivis, Potawatomi/Ottawa, who lives on Gun Lake Tribe's The Settlement.

Cabin Fever Cure

The powwow draws up to 5,000 people each year, including MSU students and American Indians from various parts of the Michigan and other Great Lakes states.

“Everyone always needs love!”

said a smiling Todd Harder, Creek, who owns and operates Red Paint, a custom embroidery and screen printing business and Native Skates, a company that produces high quality skate decks and wheels to help promote Native pride and skateboarding among Native youth.

“It is, of course, called the "Powwow of Love."”

posted February 20, 2012 6:00 am est