The 48th annual Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Maawanji’iding (means gathering) Pow Wow was held this past weekend at the Ojibwa Campground in Baraga. We have an array of photos from photographer, Stan Spruce showing off some of the intricate regalia the attendees wear for the ceremonial dances during the Grand Entry at the beginning of the Pow Wow. The weather was perfect and the campground was packed with both dancers in the dance circle and spectators there to watch the festivities, the performances that honor their indigenous traditions and the beautiful regalia that is crafted with each bead and feather often telling of their family and community history. You can see more of Stan’s photos here: Stan Spruce

The video comes to us from Raquel Chavez Ramirez Musselman showing the Teen Girls Fancy Shawl Dance. This dance is classified as a vibrant, highly athletic Native American tradition featuring fast footwork, spinning and jumping movements that mimic a butterfly in flight. The young girls regalia features fringed shawls and beaded capes. I can only imagine how much work goes into preparing their costumes for these traditional dances. Absolutely beautiful craftsmanship and colors, it is an amazing work of art all around.

Wow, the intricately decorated regalia is amazing,
with such vivid colors. Love how the feathers and
beads are meticulously worked into those beautiful
designs. Thanks for sharing these great photos.
Enjoyed the dance video as well, looks like a good
number of spectators turned out for a memorable day!

This is SO beautiful! The Fancy Shawl dancers
were always my favorite...I remember one year
while there...(they have the most fabulous
vendors)...a little peanut asked her Grandpa to
buy her a Fancy Shawl, he asked her "Will you
dance for me?" She promised she would!

Everything is so beautiful, and when you go, you
NEED to hit a Grand Entry, and eat some fry bread!

Stan's pictures are gorgeous! He was always
instrumental in the Pow Wow.

Omgosh how beautiful. I think it would be so cool
to be there some time. Their costumes are simply
amazing. So much work was put into the making of
them. Very nice.