Mihsihkinaahkwa (Little Turtle) Pow wow Information

The Mihsihkinaahkwa pow wow is a traditional pow wow. The Miami people host this event annually on the weekend following the first full week in August.

Every pow wow is a special event and this one is no exception. The Mihsihkinaahkwa Pow wow is unique because it creates a special occasion for the Native Americans to come together, here in Whitley County, to honor, strengthen and share traditions -- with one another, and with the general public. This location in Whitley County is an appropriate setting for this event, for here in Miami territory was the birthplace of Mihsihkinaahkwa, or Little Turtle, the great Miami Chief.

The Miami will host the fourteenth annual Mihsihkinaahkwa Pow wow Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 7 - 9, 2009, at Morsches' Park, Columbia City, Indiana. Gates will open on Saturday at 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 PM. See Directions and Maps.

The Pow wow Committee is pleased to present Arvel Bird, International Award Winning Violinist/Flutist/Storyteller-2007 NAMA Artist of the year & 2007 CAMA Beat Instrumentalist in concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 7. You won't want to miss this awesome concert. Admission is by free-will donation. Doors open at 5 p.m. Friday. Be sure to bring lawn chairs (and bug repellent). Traders will be set up and open for business!

Also, back this year -- a 5K Fun Run will be held at Morsches' Park at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. A printable registration form (.pdf file) is available for early registration.

Closed drum, dancers welcome. Free camping (primitive and some electric) available to traders and dancers. Public camping available through Columbia City Parks Department, fee charged.

Admission is free to registered dancers and registered traders. Other adults $4.00, children 12 and under admitted free.

A pow wow gives us an avenue by which we can honor our women, elders and warriors, give gifts and recognition to those deserving, sing honor songs, ask questions of the elders, teach by example, dance in the sacred circle and be healed. No violence, weapons, drugs or alcohol are allowed on the pow wow grounds. No pets, please. Please honor our elders and help them when you can.

Other pow wow etiquette that will help make your experience more meaningful:

Please be courteous about taking pictures. Ask before you snap. Listen to the MC; he will announce when pictures are not to be taken.

Please respect the dance arena as a holy place:

• Do not sit on the straw bales that form the circle, unless you are a dancer.
• Do not sit at the drum, if you are female.
• Please stand, if you are able, and remove your hat or cap for honor songs such as the Grand Entry, the Flag Song, Veterans' Songs, and when the MC requests it. An exception is made for those with eagle feathers on their hats or caps.
• Please stand when an honor song is sung for the women. The MC will remind you when an honor song is sung.
• Please do not touch the dancers' outfits or feathers.
• Please report, to the nearest dancer, any feather that you see on the ground. Do not pick it up or move it. There is a special ceremony for retrieving it, especially if it is an eagle feather. Tribal affiliation will dictate the method of retrieval.

Please enjoy the day with your children. Explain what is expected of them, try to find answers to their questions, and attempt to keep track of them! And, please remember that the Mihsihkinaahkwa Pow wow Committee is not responsible for accidents, injury or theft.

To find out more about the pow wow contact the Pow wow Committee, or send e-mail to: miamipowwow@yahoo.com