DETROIT – The sounds and sights of a sacred tradition returned to Hart Plaza in Detroit on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
For the first time in three decades, a pow-wow brought Native American culture back to the heart of the city.
Local 4 captured the historic celebration, highlighting the vibrant gathering of Indigenous people and supporters.
Rosebud Bear Schneider said, “I love being out there. I love getting loose and just getting lost in it.”
Schneider said, “It’s really a way to bring many tribes together, many nations together, many people together to dance, to sing songs, to get crafts, to eat together. It’s really special to bring people here.”
Devon Pitawanakwat, a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, said, “We’re here in Detroit today to powwow together.
“It’s been a long time coming. We haven’t done this in over 30 years,” Schneider said.
Schneider recalled, “Back in the day, there used to be a parade on Michigan Indian Day down Woodward, and that would end here at Hart Plaza.”
“This is our first time with us trying — you can even call it a pilot. We’re putting it together pretty quickly. But my hope is that after the success of this, we invest more, support it more, and have an even bigger, better event moving forward,” said Detroit City Council Member for District 6 Gabriela Santiago-Romero.
Pitawanakwat emphasized, “I think this should be an annual celebration that we have here in the city. I just think it’s important to show up and show the people who aren’t familiar with pow-wow and to welcome them.”
“I’m so proud and honored to be able to bring that back and be a part of that. I know my family and ancestors are super proud of all the work that we’re doing together,” Santiago-Romero said.