BEATING DRUMS

Barbara Marshak

Not far from where the Wild Rice River flows, the echo of the tribal drums calls the dancers to enter the ring for the Grand Entry of the annual White Earth Pow Wow. Despite it being Becker County's oldest continual event (135 years), many in the lakes area have probably never witnessed the sights and sounds unique to an authentic Pow Wow.

Dressed in full regalia,
youngster (above) participates
in Pow Wow dances.

Native Americans who faithfully attend each year believe it is an important social occasion. They come from near and far, ready to share a living culture with the younger generation, renew friendships and affirm the dignity of a rich heritage.

For those reasons, Dr. Leonard Warren makes the trip from the Twin Cities to White Earth with his family every June. Normally you'll find this busy physician dividing his long days between patients at Fairview Ridges Hospital or the Quello Clinics in the suburban Minneapolis area where he practices. But Leonard is also part Native American and he and his wife, Karen, have established their own tradition of bringing their three children, spouses and grandchildren to White Earth for the annual Pow Wow.

"I may not be a traditional Native American, but it's important for us to keep the heritage alive and pass it down to my kids and grandkids," Leonard says. "The years I was in medical school we couldn't always make it to the Pow Wow, but since then we've strived to make it a priority."

"It's a great family weekend," Karen adds, "a rewarding time for us all to be together."

O•J•I•B.W•E

The name Chippewa originated as a mispronunciation of Ojibwe. The "ji" (especially in Canada) has a hard sound very similar to "ch" and when spoken quickly, the "o" is almost silent. The spelling Ojibway leads English speakers to the correct pronunciation

(almost "chipway" up north, softer sounds in the south.) The spelling Ojibwe is more correct to the system that the Ojibwe language is generally written in.

Pow Wow 2002

The Warren entourage includes daughter, Ann, her husband, Mark Hiegel, and their five children — including 7-week-old Emma; son John and his wife, Jennifer, and their two children; and son Joe and his fiancee, Karli Robideaux. From youngest to oldest, the Pow Wow weekend is a treasured occasion.

"Coming to the Pow Wow gives me a sense of belonging," Ann says. "Growing up we were the only kids with Native American culture, and I want to see that survive."

The granddaughters dress in dancers' clothing called regalia — they are not costumes. Some regalia have been handed down through the generations and are priceless. Others are crafted in the hotel room the night before the Pow Wow.

Pulling and stretching two unevenly shaped pieces of deer hide (from last fall's hunting trip), daughter-in-law Jennifer is in charge of making regalia for the girls. Although blonde and pure Scandinavian, she enjoys learning about the Ojibwe crafts through research.

Grace, 9, has outgrown the fringed buckskin dress Jennifer made several years ago, so this year it is passed down to cousin Theresa, 7. A colorful floral design stretches across the beaded shawl, representative of the woodland pattern prominent in the Ojibwe or Chippewa tribe.

"Beadwork is very time consuming," Jennifer says, "So I keep adding to the design each year." She estimates she has roughly 40 hours invested in the shawl alone.

"I picked out the colors from my mom's craft book," Theresa explains, pointing to the ornamental butterflies and flowers

They're made of porcupine quills ”and shells" Grace adds, proudly displaying ear-rings and bracelets the girls can choose to accessorize. "See this?" she says, pointing to her beaded bracelet. "There's always one bead that's a different color. Some people think it's a mistake, but it really means it's authentic Indian jewelry."

Jennifer lays the two pieces of buck-skin across the bed, cutting fringes and connecting the front piece to the back. Slowly, a dress starts to take shape.

"There's no sewing; it's all fringed and tied. It'll be ready by morning," Jennifer says with confidence. "Or at least I hope," she laughs.

Sure enough, come Saturday morning the final shells are in place and the bullet hole is covered with a decorative piece. The result is a stunningly beautiful, white, buckskin dress that fits Grace perfectly. Hair already in braids, Grace's deep brown eyes can't hide her eagerness for the Pow Wow to begin.

The adults and boys wear regular casual clothes to the Pow Wow, but each has at least one Native American article to add for the day. Even baby Emma is dressed in buckskin, a two-piece outfit that's been handed down through all seven grandchildren.

The big event is held at the Pow Wow grounds in the small town of White Earth, one of the communities that reside within the White Earth Reservation. Nearly 3,000 spectators gather for the day's schedule. Dancers perform the traditional dances in the form of a circle in the arena, representing "The Circle of Life." Bleachers surround the arena for spectators and visitors to listen and watch. Freshly cut branches rest on top of the framework, providing much welcome shade. The master of ceremonies announces the Grand Entry, signifying the beginning of the Pow Wow - all the dancers enter the ring and are seen in full regalia for the first time.

It doesn't take long to realize the drum is the heart of Native American music, steeped in rich, tribal tradition. Traditional Dancers (male) wear eagle feathers and breechcloth, imitating hunters and warriors. Faces are also painted. Grass Dancers (male) are characterized by long, thick fringe all over the body. Originating in the Plains, this is the oldest style of the Pow Wow dances.

The Women Dancers, stately and dignified, wear buckskin or cloth. The regalia for Jingle Dancers are covered with sewn-on, wrapped tin cones that jingle in time with every step and movement. The dances require much skill to perform while staying in perfect rhythm, stepping lightly and slightly bobbing up and down.

Roughly 500 dancers, young and old, take part in the dances, a literal wash of color and sound. Other dances include the Fancy Dancer, Fancy Shawl, Flag Song, Honor Song, Veterans Dance and various levels of competition dances. The emcee runs the events in tandem with the arena director, keeping the Pow Wow on track as the dancers create a welcoming circle of fellowship. Youngsters only 2 and 3 years old step and bob in time with the beating drums, making it seem as natural as walking.

A stroll around the grounds finds a co-mingling of cultures. "I especially enjoy visiting with extended family and old friends," says Leonard, stopping to chat with a tribal elder.

Dancers in colorful regalia drew more than 3,000
spectators to the 2002 Pow Wow

Native American jewelry, rugs, clothing and fry bread are among the vendors offering their wares, but the all-time favorite among regulars is the Indian taco.

"Everyone has to try the Indian taco," Joe emphasizes. "Classic Indian fry bread loaded with taco toppings — it's a must!" The long lines in front of the food wagon validate his sentiment.

"Gichi mino!" (Very good!)

The family settles at a picnic table for a mid-afternoon break while the kids enjoy an ice cream treat.

"I love coming up here to see the lakes and woods," Ann points out, rocking baby Emma in her arms, "but most of all to celebrate the Ojibwe traditions."

Clearly, it is a tradition worth preserving.