Southwest Michigan is fortunate to have a physical representation of our heritage right outside our doors.

In grade school, we learn the history of our country — the pioneers who settled on what later became American soil, intent on living the American dream. As those who paid attention in class know, they were not the first to step on that land. Long before, the land was harvested by a population as rich in culture and tradition as the soil they nurtured.

Today, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi continues to remind us of this culture and the deep-rooted traditions embedded in Native American life.

Like their ancestors before, these people are open and eager to share their culture, often inviting those who practice other religions and traditions to join in and learn the Potawatomi way.

Any time a person can be exposed to other ways of thinking, they are made greater for it. For example, the Pokagon Band’s deep appreciation of the earth and all it gives to us is a great reminder of what too many of us too take for granted. Through dance and prayer, the band quite literally worships the ground they walk on, the water they drink and the sunlight we all covet, a strong reminder of how appreciative we all should be the resources our planet provides.

We learn by experiencing and broadening our horizons, and the Pokagon Band is kind enough to teach us through many rituals and traditions hosted throughout the year.

One such event will happen this weekend as the band hosts its inaugural mini-pow wow. From noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Pokagon Band Community Center, 57781 Daily Road, Dowagiac, those who attend will get a look into the band’s history, as well as exposure to the traditions and rituals the band celebrates today.

We encourage all those able to take advantage of this event and use it as a reminder of all for which we have to be thankful.

Opinions expressed are those of general manager Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor Sarah Culton, sports editor Scott Novak and reporter Adam Droscha.