POWWOW

“Teaching Our Tradition” Powwow Opens the Michigan Outdoor Powwow Season

by Levi Rickert in Native Currents. Discussion »

BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN - On a beautiful Michigan Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people attended the “Teaching our Tradition” Powwow in Brighton, Michigan, 50-miles northwest of Detroit for the first outdoor powwow of 2011 held in Michigan.

George Martin Greets Veterans

“Teaching our Tradition” Powwow was hosted by the All Nations Veterans Council at the Brighton State Recreation Area. Given the host committee, the powwow held several honor songs for American Indian veterans and all other veterans in attendance. Well-known and respected, Korean War veteran George Martin (Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe) served as the head veteran dancer.

“I always enjoy this powwow,”

said Robin Menefee (Ottawa), who owns and operates Anishnabe Meejim, a Native American food concession. “This powwow really kicks off the outdoor powwow season in Michigan.”

Great Day in the Brighton State Recreation Area

Menefee is a well-known on the powwow circuit. He has maintains a license to operate a food establishment with Michigan Public Health. Having a state license allows Menefee to operate in any of Michigan’s 81-counties without having to get a permit from the local county health department.

Anishnabe Meejim sells Indian fry bread, traditional corn soup, Indian tacos, buffalo burgers and strawberry shortcake.

This was the fourth year the All Nations Veterans Council has hosted the “Teaching our Tradition” Powwow.

posted May 23, 2011 10:59 am et