On Saturday afternoon at the Pokagon Band Community Center, the public was welcomed to a Community Mini Pow Wow hosted by the Pokagon Band youth program. The six-hour mini pow wow may have been a scaled back version of what the Pokagon Band usually does for its traditional pow wows, but for an outside observer it was still a lively, enjoyable and honorary event to attend.

Saturday was an afternoon of music, dancing, recognitions and beautiful weather. The event organizers’ comments could not have been truer about the event being a welcome to spring and an effort to shake off winter’s cabin fever. The sun was bright, the temperature was warm and those gathered at the event were participating and socializing as intended.

What made the event special for outside observers who were perhaps attending their first pow wow of any kind, was that the event was open to outsiders at all. The atmosphere of history, heritage and, indeed, ancient cultural traditions was palatable. An outsider’s perspective could have been one of curious self-intrusion as the Pokagon Band participated in songs and dances that their people had done for unknown periods of time, though the kindness and generosity of the Band was obvious from walking in the door. Again, what may have been normal for the Pokagon Band felt quite sacred for a newcomer.

While Leader Publications expresses gratitude to any organization that hosts wholesome and inclusive events for the community, it is particularly appreciated when the public is welcomed into the inside view of specific groups and a culture often unseen or forgotten. Walking into the Pokagon Band Community Center on Saturday afternoon was more than walking into a fun community event, it was like walking into a sacred space.

Furthermore, it cannot be overstated how encouraging it is that the youth program hosted the event. While the Pokagon Band’s traditional Pow Wow’s are also open to the public, the fact that the Pokagon youth are becoming more active and carrying on the legacy of openness to its greater community is testament to the values of the Band as a whole.

Leader Publications thanks the Pokagon Band youth program for their well organized, educational and emotive Community Mini Pow Wow.

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