As the powwow season comes to an end, the Anishinaabe Friendship Center, or AFC, presents the first Annual Dance by the River Pow Wow this weekend, from Sept. 28 to 29, to honor the cultural significance of the ancestral powwow grounds of the Anishinaabe people at the Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing, Michigan.
Historically, the Lansing Indigenous name is Nkwejong, which means “where the rivers meet.” Traditionally, Indigenous people traveled on the river and, according to elders, the Lansing area has always been a gathering place.
This year’s powwow is a major milestone that coincides with Native American Day. After a pause since 2019, it’s finally returning, with hopes of establishing it as an annual event to restore the Anishinaabe presence in Lansing. In celebration of the weekend’s powwow, there will be a powwow exhibition, or legislative day, strictly for teaching community members how to elevate their voices and be heard by legislators on bills affecting Tribal communities and other Indigenous issues and advocacy efforts. On Sept. 25, from noon to 1 p.m., this event will give community members the opportunity to urge legislators to listen and engage with Indigenous voices.
Having key advocates like the director of the Native American Institute at Michigan State University, Kevin Leonard — a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians — has played a significant part in making this powwow and exhibition a reality. “The 25th is really our opportunity to let state politicians and state legislators know that we are here and our vote matters, and we need them to support our initiatives and the bills to make lives better for our people,” said Leonard.
In the past, the Lansing Native Center led the powwow, which was later taken over by community members Eva and Robin Menefee, who played crucial roles in organizing the event. However, a lack of support led to a hiatus. Aja Washington, chair of the AFC and member of the Wasauksing First Nation, stepped in to revive the powwow, seeking the blessing of Eva and Robin for their experience and guidance. With a year of hard work and preparation behind them, the powwow is now set to take place for the first time in 5 years.
“My main goal is to make sure that the powwow continues and that we include as many young people as we can, so that one day when we can’t run it anymore, there are people that have been taught and can continue our cultural practice,” said Washington.
This weekend’s powwow promises to be a significant celebration, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members across Michigan to dance, sing and honor traditions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit local vendors and craft makers showcasing their art and culture.