Despite the heat and humidity, community members flocked to the Fond Du Lac Reservation for a celebration to honor those who have served and are currently serving.

The Veterans Powwow brought together many people and welcomed everyone – with or without Native American heritage.

“Just being here, I feel really connected, connected to the culture, connected to healing, connected to my community. Even though Fond Du Lac is not my community because I’m enrolled in Leech Lake, but I still feel like I’m a part of this community,” said Miranda Pacheco, an attendee at the event.

The Veterans Powwow began Friday July 12th and runs through Sunday July 14th. Each day involves different events and competitions, but always includes a Grand Ceremony.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re Native American or not, this is just how we do it as a community here. As we honor them, do this type of celebration. Some people will go out and have a Fourth of July memorial or something like that. This is the way that we celebrate here is with a powwow,” said Chi Ma’iigan, one of the powwow’s Master of Ceremonies.

The event is fun for the whole family, with people of all ages taking part in the traditional dances and performances.

And a minute to cool off from all the events is needed, there were plenty of local vendors and food trucks to peruse.

“Bring a family member with you, especially if you have a veteran who has served in the armed forces. Bring them out and we’ll honor them,” said Chi Ma’iigan,

In the end, the event welcomes all with arms open wide, and lifts up those who chose to serve our country.

“Yeah, anybody is welcome here because I think it’s spirit, right? So, everything here is spiritual, and all people have a spirit, right? And so, I’ve known people that come to this power, and they can feel it, right? So, it’s for everybody. There is protocol for indigenous people and non-indigenous people. Just be respectful,” said Pacheco

Sundays events include –
10:00AM Breakfast
1:00PM Grand Entry
2:00PM Fallen Veterans Honoring

You can find more information at Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (fdlband.org)