Mille Lacs Powwow

American Indian dancers, in brightly colored regalia, will take part in traditional dancing and drum ceremonies during the 44th annual Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe powwow on August 20-22. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Band’s powwow grounds located two miles north of Grand Casino Mille Lacs.

Each dance session will begin with a Grand Entry. This procession into the circle begins with the presentation of colors – the eagle staff, American flag, Minnesota state flag, and Mille Lacs tribal government flag – followed by the powwow royalty (princesses and braves) from tribes and schools. The procession ends with a colorful dramatization of the various styles of regalia and dance.

Powwows are American Indian celebrations of ceremonial and social dance traditions. They take place on reservations and in other locations throughout the country and include singing, dancing, drumming and more. There are contest powwows, where dancers compete against each other in style and appearance, and there are traditional powwows, where participants take part for social enjoyment. The upcoming Mille Lacs Band powwow is a traditional powwow.