The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) held its annual Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek Maawnjidowin Contest Powwow this weekend in Peshawbestown. With over $36,000 in dance contest prize money, attendees had the opportunity to watch dancers in various age groups compete in categories like men’s and women’s fancy, woodland, sidestep, and more. In addition to the dance competition, there was also a singing contest that drum groups were able to participate in. The host drum this year was “The Boyz,” who hailed from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Aaron Chivis, GTB cultural department manager, said the event showcased to the community and visitors a preview of future powwow grounds facilities that will be in place come next year. The emcees, Jackson Tahuka and Sandon Jacobs, were positioned atop a temporary platform that will have an emcee stand built into it situated around the powwow grounds, with canopies and tents in the place of where new hilltop, covered seating will be available next season.
“We’ve been working hard on updating our powwow facilities at the powwow grounds,” Chivis said. “We’re in phase one (of building), so these facilities are temporary for the powwow this year. Next there will be concrete… Phase two will have actual covered seating on the south side, and all these canopies will not be here next year… so that’s the plan.”
