For Press/Media

The beginning of April marks the time of the annual Ann Arbor Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow, a nationally recognized beginning of the pow wow season and an event that consistently strives to build cohesion between Native Americans, the University of Michigan community and people in southeast Michigan. The event is planned by the Native American Programming Task Force and the Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs Office of the University.

The pow wow attracts Native American dancers, singers and drummers from throughout the nation. Dancers ranging in age from toddlers to elders compete in several styles of dance---fancy, traditional, grass and jingle dress---wearing traditional and contemporary regalia. Competing drum groups provide vocal and rhythmic accompaniment to the dancers as they themselves are judged. Cash prizes are presented to winners in all the competitions.

A variety of Native American culture is expressed through vendor exhibits of arts, crafts, music, contemporary and traditional foods, and information on social and political issues that currently challenge the local, regional and national Native American community.

A commitment to heritage pervades the two-day event. Participants share opening and closing prayers, special giveaways, and a shared dedication to the spiritual aspects of Native American cultures.

This is a culturally significant event that we hope the media take notice of and share with their audiences. We ask you to help us spread word of the event so that it will be a continued success for years to come. For more information, please see our press release.

Download our 36th Annual Pow Wow Flyer (pdf).