| Sanford Bemidji, Red Lake Indian Health Service Hospital and Cass Lake Indian Health Service Hospital invite community members to the 17th Annual Niimi’idiwin (Powwow) from 2-6 p.m. on June 23 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, 1300 Anne St. N.W., Bemidji, Minn.
Intended to celebrate holistic healing and our community’s Ojibwe heritage, this gathering is free and open to all within the community who would like to show respect and celebrate the healing power of heritage. Registration for dancers 5-18+ years-old begins at 2 p.m. followed by a customary grand entry, where those of all ages and genders are lead by local veterans into the dance arbor. Arena director and spiritual advisor, Gary Charwood, will also guide attendees through a peace pipe ceremony honoring healthcare workers. Dance specials begin at 3 p.m. under the direction of emcee, Daryl Northbird. The specials include men’s grass dance, women’s jingle dress dance and traditional dances for both men and women. A feast of Red Lake walleye, berries and wild rice will be served starting at 4:30 p.m. A variety of booths will also be present to share local art, crafts and health resources during this communal celebration of health and heritage. Only pre-invited drum groups, color guards, honor guards and vendors/booths will be permitted to perform/set up during the event. |
