Grand Valley’s 22nd annual “Celebrating All Walks of Life” Pow Wow, a traditional community gathering and celebration of culture that includes song, dance, feasting and socializing, was held this weekend in person in GVSU’s Fieldhouse for the first time since 2019.
Grand Valley's 22nd annual Pow wow held to celebrate Native American heritage
Apr 18, 2023
Head junior dancer, Annabelle Wilson, 12, dances during the 22nd "Celebrating All Walks of Life" Pow wow.
Vyana Slattery, center, dances during the Pow wow. Slattery's Native American name is Dragonfly Wind Walker.
Two head male dancers help with each others’ regalia before the 22nd "Celebrating All Walks of Life" Pow wow.
A drum circle sings a song for a dance during the Pow wow.
Elise McGowan, left, kisses her daughter Josie McGowan, 2, after getting her ready to dance in the Pow wow.
Dressed in regalia, dancers circle the drummers during the 22nd "Celebrating All Walks of Life" Pow wow.
The two-day celebration included a number of traditional Native American songs and dances performed by dancers of all ages wearing traditional regalia.
The event also featured handmade Native American crafts and food vendors, information booths and a silent auction to raise funds for the Native American Student Association.
Jonathan Rinehart, an alumnus of GVSU, wears a beaded Louie the Laker with his regalia.
Gladys Martin, left, braids the hair of her friend, Waaba Medawis, right, before the start of the Pow wow.
Dan Bissell, poses for a portrait wearing his regalia. Bissell was the head veteran of the pow wow and a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe.
Anna Dashner, 8, poses for a portrait before dancing at the Pow wow. Dasher, of Detroit, has been dancing since the age of 18 months.
Waasmowin Rinehart works on attaching eagle feathers to the roach of his regalia.
Banashee Cadreau, an alumnus of GVSU, poses for a portrait before the start of the Pow wow.
The 22nd annual “Celebrating all walks of life” Pow wow was sponsored by the Native American Student Association, Office of Multicultural Affairs and Division of Inclusion and Equity at Grand Valley.
Learn more about upcoming events by the Office of Multicultural Affairs on their website.
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