Bemijigamaag Powwow; Three Tribal Nations/Non-Indians Band Together

"The powwow united three Tribal Nations, the City and the State – unbelievable!" ~Darryl Northbird, Bemijigamaag Powwow Organizer.

"It's not about Indians, it's about people! The other colors will come to us and we must share, all the life forces must come into alignment! The Prophesies tell us that we are now in the time of great healing, it says the four Colors of the human family are once again given an opportunity to bring each Color's gifts together and create a mighty nation." ~Chi-Ma'iingan (Larry Stillday) Obaashiing. Notes of Biidaanakwad

Saturday, April 4, 2015, was a day full of symbolism as close to 3,000 people descended upon the Sanford Center in Bemidji for the First Bemijigamaag Powwow. Registration began at 10 at with Grand Entry at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The city of Bemidji got its name from the Ojibwe word Bemijigamaag which means "lake with cross waters" referring to the Mississippi River crossing through the lake.

A powwow brings people together, usually and mostly American Indians, but the Bemijigamaag Powwow, the first-of-its-kind event for the Sanford Center, encouraged non-Indians to come and learn about this staple of Indian Country.

It was postulated that non-Indians would be more comfortable coming to the Sanford center for a powwow. They were used to attending events there, and it might be less intimidating than going to a powwow on a reservation.

Many participants may have heard Ojibwemowin for the first time. Most non-Indians never hear the language, yet as one participant said, "... yet it rings in our ears as part of what it should be. Indians know us, but we don't know them, we need to remember that there was history and culture here before 1895."

Bemidji Mayor Rita Albrecht stated that the powwow had been in the making for eight years, and had its origins in a survey commissioned by Shared Vision that said both Indians and non-Indians wanted to get to know people of other cultures better. "The problem is we don't know how to talk, how to start the conversation," said Albrecht, "and it is things like this that bring people together that allow that conversation to begin."

(The March 2009 survey Albrecht sites commissioned by Shared Vision and conducted by Wilder Research with support by Headwaters RDC, was entitled the "Bemidji Area Study on Race Relations: An exploration of current race relations between American Indian and White residents." Respondents were from three categories, Whites, Indians in the Bemidji Area, and Indians on Nearby Reservations. The survey turned out like most might intuit save for two findings; "Over 90% of all respondents stated they wanted to get to know people from other cultural and racial groups," and "A large portion of respondents from both racial groups want to know more about local American Indian culture and history.")

Upon hearing that Governor Mark Dayton had accepted the city's invitation to attend the 2015 Bemijigamaag Powwow, Albrecht said, "We are honored to host the governor at this exciting community event, Bemidji is at the center of three tribal nations and is the perfect place for the Governor and our communities to come together to celebrate Ojibwe culture and heritage."

This first time event featured a flag and gift exchange between Albrecht and tribal leaders, Red Lake Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr., Leech Lake Chairwoman, Carri Jones, and White Earth Chairwoman Erma Vizenor.

Grand Entry: Pageantry Full of Symbolism

Powwow volunteers, drummers and dancers started arriving at the Center's main entry at 10:00 a.m. when dancer registration was to begin. Upon arrival at the huge parking lot overlooking the powwow's and the city's namesake Lake Bemidji, guests noted animal parking lot signs printed in both Ojibwe and English, Migizi/Eagle, Makwa/Bear, and Maang/Loon. On each door entering the building was printed Boozhoo/Welcome in vinyl lettering, and each restroom was signed with Ikwewag/Women and Ininiwag/Men.

Around 12:30 p.m., dancers slowly began gathering at the back of the Center to prepare for Grand Entry. Meanwhile the Chairs from the three reservations that surround Bemidji, Darrell G. Seki, Sr., of Red Lake, Carri Jones of Leech Lake, and Irma Vizenor of White Earth met with Governor Mark Dayton in a private meeting in a back corner of the building.

Arena Director Earl Fairbanks of Red Lake was busy coordinating what was to come, moving about the building, talking to drummers, dancers, stage announcers, and Sanford Center staff. His meeting with tribal chairs finished, Governor Dayton, escorted by Mayor Albrecht and Arena Director Fairbanks, ascended the stage.

Tribal Chairs took their place at the head of the coming grand entry. A tribal Honor Guard accompanied each tribal leader from each reservation that would carry each nation's flag. Red Lake District Tribal Councilor Robert Smith would carry the colors for Red Lake Nation.

In line behind the tribal chairs were numerous eagle staffs. Next came local dignitaries (tribal, city, state) that included Red Lake Tribal Secretary Annette Johnson, Ponemah Rep. Randy Kingbird, Red Lake Rep. Roman Stately, and Little Rock Rep. Charlie Reynolds. Leech Lake and White Earth officials along with State Rep John Persell, State Senator Tom Saxhaug, County Commissioner and Red Lake member Tim Sumner and City Councilors Reed Olson and Ron Johnson joined them. Mayor Albrecht also joined the group for Grand Entry in an unprecedented moment of solidarity of four governmental bodies.

Next in line were Honor Guards from all three Nations followed by Royalty from each tribe. Finally dancers men, women, boys, girls, and tiny tots entered as is customary. Elders had prime seating for the colorful, banner filled Grand Entry on either side of the stage.

Darrell Kingbird of Red Lake provided the invocation in his native tongue Ojibwemowin. All prayers were done outside of the public so that all events including Kingbird could be photographed to eliminate any misunderstandings by newcomers. During Grand Entry, Kingbird would also describe for those new to powwows the significance of the grand entry, the drum, dancers, and the various regalia.

Governor Dayton addressed crowd just before entry. He offered brief remarks that encouraged togetherness. "We are all Americans, all Minnesotans, and we are all one people," he said. He urged Minnesotans to continue working together to make sure "our children and our grandchildren" are unified even further.

The Young Kingbird Drum would have the honors as the sound of the amplified drum filled the building. The press, videographers and photographers jostled for position to photograph the coming colorful review. Lakeland Public TV's Scott Knudson would be filming for an upcoming Common Ground segment. Melissa Townsend, reporter for Minnesota Native News, conducted interviews for an upcoming four-part radio series.

Gift Exchange

The highlight of the powwow would be the symbolism of the gift and flag exchange. Each tribal chair entered carrying their Nation's flag that would be part of a small ceremony with Bemidji's Mayor following Grand Entry. These flags will be later posted permanently at the entrance to the convention center at Gate 4, an effort spearheaded by Shared Vision.

Following Grand Entry, the three tribal chairs ascended the stage to join Governor Dayton and Mayor Albrecht. Albrecht welcomed the three tribal leaders. "I hope the friendships we make here today will grow beyond this event and our community will continue on a path of inclusiveness and respect for one another," said Albrecht.

Albrecht introduced the three chairs one by one. First was Leech Lake Chairwoman Carri Jones, followed by White Earth Chairwoman Erma Vizenor, and last Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr., of Red Lake. Each Chairperson presented the mayor with a 4 x 6 tribal flag. In return Albrecht presented blankets and tobacco to the tribal leaders symbolizing friendship and respect.

Leech Lake Chairwoman Jones said the powwow was a step in the right direction for race relations. "We look forward to building on the friendship for the betterment of all communities."

White Earth Chairwoman Erma Vizenor said the powwow strengthened the bond between her band and the city of Bemidji. "Change in the world involves relationships. We are building those relationships every day."

Red Lake Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr., one of only a few hundred fluent Ojibwe speakers in Minnesota, introduced himself in his first language. After thanking Albrecht and the organizers of the event he gave a short passionate speech expressing hope the powwow would lead to healing and understanding between cultures. He concluded with a loud "howa!"

All agreed that they would continue the search for opportunities for their respective communities to get to know each other. The event demonstrated that more people care than one might have imagined, a recognition that both Indians and non-Indians have much in common yet much to learn about each other.

Next was a Flag Song by Young Kingbird, then a veteran's song. Darrell Kingbird encouraged veterans of all colors to dance. Some newcomers took to the floor, others thought, "maybe next time." Twenty drums then took their turn for songs, Crow Hop, spot dances and a "Jingle Dress Snagging Earrings Special."

The Day's Remainder

In the ballroom, a communal feast of 2000 Red Lake walleye filets, Leech Lake wild rice, and Lueken's vegetables and sheet cake for dessert was served starting at 5 p.m. Non-profit vendors dotted the perimeter of the room. Public servants, members of Bemidji City Council, Beltrami County Board, state legislators and other dignitaries within the region served dinner. Tables were set up in lake view rooms for eating. A Hand Drum special was held concurrently out in the arena.

Many first time powwow participants were curious as to where one paid for the feast being unfamiliar with a meal without cost provided for nearly two thousand people.

Second Grand Entry was held at 7 p.m. Followed by category dancing until 7 p.m. Toward the end of the evening, Powwow organizers and volunteers were introduced and were shown appreciation by an Honor Song. A traveling song followed with new friends made and a tradition begun.

Organizational Background

Northern Minnesota Community Radio

It started when Northern Community Radio KAXE/KBXE station manager Maggie Montgomery raised 60 grand for the Bemijigamaag powwow, which was broadcast, live on KAXE and on Leech Lake radio KOJB. "The event was a catalyst for learning," Montgomery said

Brad Wolhof, manager at KOJB said that understanding of Native American Culture was huge. "Radio helped educate people on what a powwow is."

"As with much of Northern Community Radio's (KAXE/KBXE), the Bemijigamaag Powwow exemplifies the organization's ability to connect across many community lines," said a release from the Blandin Foundation, a major sponsor of the event.

"The community-based public radio station tapped existing interests to forge a strong collaboration between the three largest tribes in Minnesota, community members and government officials to make a difference in the community's perception of Ojibwe culture," said the release.

"[The powwow is] part of the healing that's needed in the community. We had a sense that this needs to happen, that this is the right event at the right time," said Montgomery.

Attending the event, Blandin Foundation president, and White Earth Band member, Kathy Annette said, "It was wonderful to see the people of Red Lake, White Earth, Leech Lake, Bemidji and surrounding communities to come together to share this cultural experience. It was a good day!"

Sanford Center

There is never alcohol at a powwow and to their credit the staff at Sanford Center even removed the beer advertising. They did an excellent job for a group who had no experience with such things. But Sanford brought something new to the usual powwow, and which turned out to be a crowd favorite, the "Jumbotron" scoreboard which allowed close-ups of people, kids, drums, and regalia.

"It's really the epitome of what this building was built for and within our unique location here to represent and bring everyone's cultures together so we can celebrate," said Cyrus Pansch, director of sales and marketing at the Sanford Center.

Afterthoughts

Truth and Reconciliation seems to be going on in north central Minnesota's Ojibwe Country. Bemidji's Ojibwe language project, Shared Vision, Grand Rapids Indigenous Peoples Day, Ojibwemowin language revitalization, flags flown at half mast in commemoration, Shaynowishkung statue project, Roger Jourdain Day, and now the Bemijigamaag Powwow, to name a few. These are highly symbolic gestures and events that hopefully will lead to healing.

Ojibwemowin was spoken here. So few hear the language, and it's important for folks to realize the indigenous language of the land. The late spiritual leader and teacher Larry Stillday:

"Our language comes from actions at the beginning of time. It goes back to our creation story where Nanabozho and Ma'iingan, then companions, put our language in nature by naming everything on earth, giving everything an Ojibwe name. Therefore our language is in nature. Our language is there, and it is still alive. Our language is very powerful when we use it in the circle."

"Everything is a circle. Take a look about you, the first circle is the drum, then we form a larger circle around them, and so on until we encompass the entire earth."

"Earth Mother, Father Sky, all our relatives, we ask our grandfather, to bring all peoples together. We have enough people who look backward - those who remember - this is good, but we need more to look forward. We need to lead the way, our culture, our arts and crafts, we are alive TODAY!" ~ Gichi-Ma'iingan, (Larry Stillday) Obaashiing Notes of Biidaanakwad Little Rock, Summer 2013

Sponsors

The Sanford Center Bemijigamaag Powwow was presented by KAXE/KBXE Northern Community Radio; KOBJ, The Eagle; and the Sanford Center. Lueken's Village Foods, Red Lake Fisheries, Leech Lake Band, White Earth Nation and Cole Paper provided support for the feast. Funding for this event was made possible by a grant from the Lessard Sams Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment Cultural Heritage fund, by G.W. Neilson Foundation, and First National Bank Bemidji.