This past Sunday, we went to the 48th annual Traditional GVAIL Pow Wow, held in Riverside Park, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Grand Valley American Indian Lodge (GVAIL) was founded in 1961. It was co-sponsored by the City of Grand Rapids with donations from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.

The Pow Wow handed out a flyer that described the pow wow celebration:
"The dance, drums, and sharing are as much a part of Indian Culture as they were hundreds of years ago. Celebrations were a part of life when warriors returned from battle, hunters returned from the hunt. They told about their victories and adventures through the dance.

Movements, color and sound were used to tell the stories of their heart rather than words. They acted out their adventure in dance for the spectator to imagine what it must have been like to have been there.

Today the celebration aspect of the pow wow is of being Indian. Of having ties to a unique culutre and a long-reaching history. It is how we can connect to Mother Earth and let our spirit dance again to the sound of her heartbeat.

The pow wow breaks down the barriers and unifies all those who take part. It brings together old friends and offers a chance to make new ones. It is a social gathering as well as a celebration of our social and cultural beliefs."

Here we are, joining in the Grand Entry

I loved the music, and also loved that everyone was invited to join in and dance with them. I loved the outfits, they are called regalia. The outfits had incredible colors and lots of feathers. I love and collect feathers, so I was very interested.  We ate an "Indian taco" which was fry bread with yummy toppings.

"Indian Taco"

My dad says, "I was most impressed with the diversity of the people participating in the rituals of the pow wow. It was comforting to see people of all races celebrate Indian Culture. There were dancers and drummers of all colors."

This photo essay is part of Photo Fridays at Delicious Baby. Head over there to view travel photos from around the world!

L Forteau (7) is the Special Children's Reporter for Wandering Educators. 

Photos courtesy and copyright Jessie Voigts.