Governor Dayton to attend local powwow

BEMIDJI -- Gov. Mark Dayton has accepted an invitation to attend the 2015 Bemijigamaag Powwow, to take place April 4 at the Sanford Center.

"We are honored to host Governor Mark Dayton at this exciting community event," said Mayor Rita Albrecht in a press release. "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."

The first-time event, which will host its first grand entry at 1 p.m ., will feature a flag and gift exchange between Albrecht and tribal leaders, including Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Chairwoman Carri Jones, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. and White Earth Nation Chairwoman Erma Vizenor.

The flags exchanged at the powwow will be prominently displayed in the George W. Neilson Convention Center at the Sanford Center.

In addition to the flag and gift exchange, the Sanford Center will host a communal feast to be served by members of Bemidji City Council, Rep. John Persell, Sen. Tom Saxhaug and other dignitaries from the region.

Support for the feast will be provided by Lueken's Village Foods, Red Lake Fisheries, Leech Lake Band, White Earth Nation and Cole Paper. Funding for this event is made possible by a grant from the Lessard Sams Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, Cultural Heritage fund and by G.W. Neilson Foundation and First National Bank Bemidji.