Attracting attendees from all around for its 52nd year of traditional dance, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe have this weekend prepared a dawn-to-dusk lineup of activities for the powwow on the Iskigamizigan Powwow Grounds in central Minnesota.
For three full days, the event west of Lake Mille Lacs features crafts, raffle drawings, horseshoe and moccasin tournaments, a parade, a three-on-three basketball tournament, a “fun run” sponsored by the Mille Lacs Indian Museum, and contests including Best Parade Float and Best Old-Style Jingle Dress (where the first-place winner takes home $1,150).
Dancers in bright, traditional regalia participate in dancing and drum ceremonies throughout the weekend. Ceremonies begin with a grand entry and an introductory procession of representatives of various tribes and schools.
The grounds include a free campsite, showers, and complimentary campfire wood for those taking in the full weekend experience.
When: Grand entries begin Friday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 18, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m.
Where: Iskigamizigan Powwow Grounds (on the west side of Lake Mille Lacs—follow the signs)
How much: Free
