Dance for Mother Earth Powwow at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor

The annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow returns for another year of cultural dance and drumming performances March 30-31, 2019, at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor.

Come out for an incredible display of culture and tradition at the 47th annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor on March 30-31, 2019.

Powwows are a Native American tradition in which members of the community dress in traditional outfits, like headdresses and intricately beaded regalia, and partake in singing, dancing and performing.

The powwow is also a time to honor native culture and socialize with the community.

The Dance for Mother Earth Powwow is hosted by the University of Michigan’s Native American Student Association and will feature drummers, dancers and storytellers.

Another important part of the event is the grand entry, when a procession led by a member carrying the Eagle Staff is followed by dancers and other participants.

The host drum this year will be Tomahawk Circle, with co-host Wind Eagle and invited drums Fire Nation, Rizing Bear, Snake Island Eagle Flight and Eagle Boys.

The storyteller is Panoka Walker, a resident of Monroe and a Native American woman of French and Anishinaabe-Ojibwe descent. Head dancers are Judy Robinson, Tami Castillo, Natalie Webster, Marcus Windchester, Bernard Webster and Wesley Cleland. 

For attendees unfamiliar with powwow etiquette, powwows.com says to keep in mind that certain items of religious significance “should only be worn by those qualified to do so.”

In other words – be respectful. Native American headdresses are a symbol of high esteem reserved for specific members of the community, like respected leaders, and should not be worn as a costume.

The site also recommends respecting the position of the principal dancers, as they are meant to start each song and participants should wait until they have begun dancing before joining.

The event starts at 10:30 a.m. on both Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31. The grand entry will be at noon and 7 p.m. on Saturday and at noon on Sunday.

Skyline High School is located at 2552 North Maple Road in Ann Arbor. A free shuttle will pick up guests both days.

Single-day admission costs $10/adults, $7/students with ID and seniors over age 62, $5/children ages 6-12 and free/five and under. A family pass can be purchased for $29 for a family of two adults and three children under 12.

Weekend passes are $15/adults, $10/students with ID and seniors over 62, $7/children ages 6-12 and free/five and under.For more information, visit the event website.

For basic details on the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, and other family fun things to do this weekend in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor, visit the Metro Parent calendar.

This post is updated regularly. 

Amanda Rahn
Amanda Rahn
Amanda Rahn is a freelance journalist, copy editor and proud Detroiter. She is a graduate of Wayne State University’s journalism school and of the Columbia Publishing Course at Oxford University. Amanda is a lover of translated contemporary fiction, wines from Jura and her dog, Lottie.

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