Pow Wow Postcards

From staff reports

Late August is the time when Peshawbestown in Leelanau County typically hosts its annual Pow Wow, a vital part of Native culture. A social gathering, it’s a time to dance, to feast, and to share stories. Vendors sell their crafts, children dance and spectators gather and watch the dancers move to the beat of the drum. The colors swirl and the Native pride is palpable.

In the past, on any given weekend in Michigan, a Pow Wow could usually be found. Due to COVID restrictions, many tribal communities have cancelled large gatherings to prevent the spreading of the pandemic. The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians canceled last year’s and this year’s Pow Wow.

These photos featuring past Pow Wows were taken by Minnie Wabanimkee, a Native artist and photographer. Born in northern Michigan she resides in Peshawbestown and takes great pride in living where her ancestors once lived. Minnie specialized in photographing Native people and culture. A recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for Excellence in Photojournalism, Minnie has worked for the Traverse City Record- Eagle, the Associated Press, Michigan State University Museum and numerous tribes. Minnie produces calendars, note cards and photographs. She is currently working with the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways (Ziibiwing) in Mt. Pleasant—in collaboration with the Michigan State University Museum—on a planned traveling exhibit and comprehensive catalog involving Native American quillwork.

Minnie’s cards, calendars and photos can be found at Dog Ears Used Books in Northport and Guntzviller’s Spirit of the Woods Museum in Elk Rapids. Her work is also for sale on her Facebook page or by visiting her website, SleepingBearUSA.com.