Pokagon Band to host gathering of Native veterans 

Less than a month removed from their annual Labor Day pow wow celebration, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi will again play host to gathering of tribes from around the U.S. and Canada.

The band’s Rodgers Lake will be the home of the 14th annual Eagle Staff Gathering this weekend. It’s the first time that the ceremony, which honors Native American veterans, has been held on Pokagon tribal ground in Dowagiac in six years, said Anthony Foerster, one of the organizers for this year’s event.

“Ninty-nine percent of the people who show up are veterans, so it’s great for camaraderie,” Foerster said. “I’ve been to six or seven of them myself, and they’re always something I look forward to.”

Last year, the gathering was hosted by the Aamjiwnaang & Kettle Stoney Point First Nations, in Ontario, Canada.

Each tribe constructs their own eagle staff in order to pay tribute to their veteran population. While each one may differ wildly in appearance, they all share that common element between them Foerster said.

“Staffs from all over the country will be featured at the event,” he said. “We have carriers come and show their staff and explain the meaning behind them.”

This year, 44 tribes have registered to participate in the event, making it shape up to be among the largest in the history of the event, Foerster said.

“It’s a big honor for us to host the gathering again,” he said. “When people walk away from here, they’ll be talking about our tribe when the go back to their own communities. It’s a big thing for us.”

 

Friday, Sept. 26

6 p.m. — Registration and social

 

Saturday, Sept. 27

6 a.m. — Breakfast

7 a.m. — Sunrise Pipe ceremony (Official sunrise at 7:37 a.m.)

8:30 a.m. — New Staff Inaugural ceremony

9 a.m. — Grand Entry

10-noon — Eagle Staff carriers talk about their staffs

Noon-1 p.m. — Lunch

1-3 p.m. — Eagle staff carriers talk about their staff; eagle staff teachings if time permits

3:00-3:30 p.m. — Break/refreshments

3:30-7 p.m. — Eagle staff teachings

7 p.m. — Sunset ceremony (Official sunset at 7:35 p.m.)

8 p.m.  — Traditional Dinner

 

Sunday, Sept. 28

7 a.m. — Sunrise ceremony

9-10 a.m. — Brunch

10-noon  — Eagle staff teachings

Noon — Closing ceremonies. Bag Lunches for road trip.