Grand Valley’s 23rd annual “Celebrating All Walks of Life” Pow Wow, a celebration of Native American culture and a gathering of community that includes song, dance, feasting and socializing, was held in the Fieldhouse Arena this weekend.
The two-day event was a collaboration between Grand Valley’s Division of Inclusion and Equity and Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Native American Advisory Council and the Native American Student Association.
Throughout the weekend, traditional Native American songs and dances were performed by dancers of all ages wearing traditional regalia while attendees explored a variety of craft and food booths hosted by community members. A silent auction helped raise funds for GVSU’s Native American Student Association.
GVSU senior Anheles Coronado, president of the Native American Student Association, participated in the Pow Wow as a volunteer. Coronado says he was excited for community members to participate in and learn from this valued tradition.
“A lot of times, Native American history is relegated to just textbooks,” Coronado said. “So this is an opportunity for people to come see that there are living, breathing people who are still alive and practicing these cultures today.”
As part of a Pow Wow Trail throughout the state of Michigan, many members that took part in this weekend's events will also participate in others, including Central Michigan University’s and Michigan State University’s Pow Wows.
“It's just a space for members of the Anishinaabe communities around Michigan to gather,” Coronado said. “Here on campus, we're also hoping that a lot of students, teachers and anybody from nearby can come by.”
Sign up and receive the latest Grand Valley headlines delivered to your email inbox each morning.
