Wisconsin should be known more for wild rice, America’s oldest crop than cheddar. The grain has been harvested by the Menominee, one of 11 American Indian states.
Wisconsin is home to more Native American tribes than any other state east the Mississippi. The nations fished the lakes and hunted the hardwood forests of Wisconsin in the past.
American Indian nations still celebrate the natural world today. Oneida runs an 80-acre organic farm that is open to the public. The St. Croix is a specialist in aquaculture while the Potawatomi raise reddeer for market.
The Wisconsin Native American culture is alive and well in Wisconsin, not only in the tribes’ dedication to the environment but also in their amazing pow-wows.
“Pow-wow”What does it mean? “spiritual leader.”Pow-wows are a time when American Indians share their culture through singing, dancing, and sharing.
There are two types pow-wows. Traditional pow-wows feature intertribal dances. Pow-wows that are competition-oriented award prizes to the top performers “drums,”Groups that sing and dance together.
Pow-wow’s pulse is provided by the drums, which are the instruments and singers. The drums are used to set the dancers’ tempos and lead them in traditional chants. The drums can sing intertribal songs, flag songs and songs honoring veterans.
Pow-wows include different dances. While the men’s traditional dance is the most ancient, the fancy dance employs bright costumes to honor rainbow spirits. Dancers use drum beats to time chime from their costumes in the women’s jingle dance.
During the summer and autumn, pow-wows are held by Wisconsin tribes. The Honor the Earth Powwow celebrates the planet by performing music, dancing, and eating food in July.
Oneida Pow-Wow has 400 dancers. The Bear River Pow-Wow brings together several tribes.
The all-tribe Indian Summer Festival in September will increase breast cancer awareness through a pow-wow competition, art, and storytellers.
Manomin’s annual pow-wow celebrates wild rice harvest. It features canoe and bike races, as well as a wild rice feast for visitors and athletes. Wisconsin visitors won’t be able to remember the cheeseheads after seeing this powwow.
Visit www.wisconsin.com for more information on pow-wows in Wisconsin. www.travelwisconsin.com.
