Boozhoo (Greetings) from Chippewa National Forest Tribal Relations!
Chris Herman, Forest Tribal Relations, Eastern Region, Chippewa National Forest, Tribal Relations
May 30th, 2025
Did you know that the Ojibwe people also refer to themselves and others as Anishinaabe? Translated to English, Anishinaabe means a person, a human, an Indian or Native, and an Ojibwe.
The summer season is known by the Anishinaabe as Niibin, and June ushers in a season of plenty. Food, flowers, and medicine abound under the Strawberry Moon (Ode’imini Giizis).
Niibin brings visits by Animikii, the thunderer, who is often joined by rain to cool and replenish the earth and its inhabitants. The Anishinaabe recognize different kinds of thunder – some strike the earth, others are searching for something, and others leave behind Nagweyaab, a rainbow.
Niibin is the time to move to summer camps to gather food and medicine. Niibin offers an abundance of beauty, longer days, and easier travel. Anishinaabe gather to dance, perform ceremonies, and spend time together. How do these traditions relate to your summer activities, like gardening, gathering for reunions, traveling, and camping?
Your summer plans may include going to a pow wow, traditional celebrations of song and dance that honor and give thanks for a rich heritage. The Leech Lake area pow wows listed below are open to the public, and you don’t have to be Native American to attend.
Pow Wow Etiquette
Be Respectful
The dance arena features a circle, which is usually blessed and reserved for the dancers. Don't walk across it.
Elders have a significant place in Native American culture. When attending pow wows, keep elders in high regard. If you’re able, it’s deemed polite to give up your seat or place in line to an elder. Also, be respectful of the dancers and singers and their regalia. It’s not polite to call their colorful native dress “costumes.” Many singers and dancers will allow you to take photographs with them; however, it’s best if you ask first.
Stand Up For The Grand Entry
All pow wows begin with a Grand Entry. This is when all dancers enter the circle and are led by the Veterans and Head Dancers. An opening prayer is offered. Please stand up and refrain from talking or eating during Grand Entry. Pro tip - Grand Entry times are advertised but be patient if the schedule is off a little. Many people are involved with the coordination, safety, and logistics of a successful pow wow, and Grand Entry begins after everything is in place.
Can I Dance?
Many pow wows feature Inter-tribal dances that invite all to join in and dance together inside the arena circle. You may choose to join in despite not wearing any regalia. If you decide to join the dance, always walk with the beat and be considerate of those around you. If you’re not sure of how to dance, simply watch how other women and men of your age are dancing for guidance. Enter the arena with respect. Conduct yourself in a reserved manner.
Children Are Welcome
It’s a good idea to go over pow wow etiquette with children old enough to understand. Children are more than welcome to join in some of the dances. However, there are times when they shouldn’t join the arena since some dances are competitions between dancers.
Reserved Seats
The seats closest to the arena are reserved for dancers and singers, so please don’t sit in them. Also, don’t walk or run between the drum and any chairs surrounding it. Dancers will also leave blankets on the benches or seats to reserve their place. Don't move the blankets or sit on them.
Bring Your Own Seating
Most pow wows have small, grandstand-style seating areas which fill up quickly, so you may want to bring a chair.
What Not To Bring
Do not bring alcohol, drugs, or firearms to a pow wow.
Leech Lake 2025 Celebrations
Memorial Pow Wow Traditional Pow Wow
May 23-25, 2025
Veterans Memorial Pow Wow Grounds
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Waa Wiye Gaa Maag (Round Lake) Traditional Pow Wow
June 13-15, 2025
S. Lake, MN 56681
Leech Lake Days Contest Pow Wow
June 20-22, 2025
Veterans Memorial Pow Wow Grounds
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Mii Gwitch Mahnomen Days Traditional Pow Wow
July 18-20, 2025
Ball Club, MN 56636
Onigum Traditional Pow Wow
July 25-27, 2025
Onigum, MN 56484
Cha Cha Bah Ning Traditional Pow Wow
Aug. 22-24, 2025
Inger, MN 56636
Sagasweiwe Traditional Pow Wow
Sept. 5-7, 2025
Veterans Memorial Pow Wow Grounds
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Battle Point Traditional Pow Wow
Sept. 19-21, 2025
Battle –Sugar Point, MN 56641