Dance for Mother Earth Powwow

The Dance for Mother Earth Powwow is more than just an event—it is a powerful act of community resistance and celebration. As the oldest student-run powwow in the country, it stands as a testament to the dedication of Native students at the University of Michigan. Organized and hosted by the Native American Student Association (NASA) since 1973, the powwow is a reflection of the labor and collective action of generations of Native students who have made it possible.

What began as a small gathering on campus has grown into a large-scale, intertribal event that has been held in venues like the Crisler Center and local spaces in Ann Arbor.  The Dance for Mother Earth Powwow is a competition for dancers, an economic opportunity for Native vendors, a gathering place for community, and a statement of continued Indigenous presence.

For a student-led group to organize an event of this scale is no small feat—it is a massive undertaking that requires months of planning, collaboration, and unwavering dedication.  In 2024, the broader Indigenous community celebrated the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow’s 50th anniversary.  

A black-and-white photograph capturing a large gathering of people at an indoor event, a cultural celebration of powwow. The foreground features individuals in traditional regalia adorned with feathers, beadwork, and intricate patterns. The background shows a seated audience attentively watching, while others stand along the sides and in elevated positions. The image conveys a sense of tradition, community, and cultural pride.
A black-and-white photograph depicts a moment of preparation as a woman carefully adjusts or places a feather in another individual's hair. The scene appears to be part of a larger gathering, with people in the background seated or engaged in conversation. The image emphasizes attention to detail.
A black-and-white photograph captures a tender moment of a young child in traditional regalia, adorned with fringe and a feathered headpiece, pointing outward. An adult, also in traditional attire, kneels beside the child, adjusting their clothing with care.
A black-and-white photograph captures a group of dancers in traditional regalia during a powwow. Each participant is dressed in intricate outfits featuring beadwork, fringe, and feathered adornments. The women stand in a line, exuding focus and reverence, as they prepare for or engage in a ceremonial dance. The background reveals a larger crowd and other dancers.
A group of men gathers in a circle, participating in a drum circle during a powwow. Some wear vibrant traditional regalia, while others are dressed in casual attire. Microphones are positioned around the drum, indicating a formal performance or recording. Onlookers, including individuals in colorful clothing and accessories, stand nearby, observing the gathering. The scene highlights a lively and inclusive celebration of cultural tradition and music.
A line of dancers in elaborate traditional regalia during a powwow. Their vibrant outfits are adorned with feathers, beadwork, and fringe in an array of colors, showcasing intricate craftsmanship. The setting is a large indoor arena, with an audience visible in the background. The scene captures the energy during the event.
Two male dancers in vibrant traditional regalia participate in a cultural performance, adorned with intricate beadwork, feathers, and colorful ribbon accents. One dancer wears a plaid shirt with a fan in hand, both exuding energy and focus. The background shows a dimly lit stadium seating area, emphasizing the dancers as the focal point of the event.
A vibrant gathering of men seated around a large drum, passionately performing a drum circle with drumsticks in hand. They are dressed in a mix of traditional regalia adorned with bright patterns and contemporary clothing. The background features others in colorful regalia with feathered headdresses, participating in a larger cultural event in a stadium setting. The scene radiates energy, tradition, and community celebration.
A striking image shows the back of a dancer adorned in vibrant regalia during a cultural event. The purple shawl features intricate star patterns, colorful beadwork, and flowing multicolored fringe, complemented by detailed floral designs. The setting appears to be an indoor arena, with other participants visible in the background.
A 1973 issue of the Native American Advocate highlights the success of the first annual Powwow held on March 31 at the Union Ballroom, drawing 900 attendees. Hosted by the U-M Native American Student Association, it honored Wilbur Shaganaby and marked Native American Awareness Week with drummers, singers, and dancers. Another article details the American Indian Theatre Ensemble's performance of plays based on Native stories at Mary Markley Hall, reflecting a celebration of culture, heritage, and community engagement.
The budget sheet for the 1984 Ann Arbor Powwow outlines $7,200 in funding from sources like the Vice-President for Student Services ($2,000), door sales ($2,200), and other university offices. Expenses totaled $7,175, covering performer fees ($3,250), publicity ($580 for ads, posters, flyers, and postage), facility rentals ($890 for sound, chairs, and tables), travel ($500), meals for 500 participants ($1,000), and a service charge ($650). The document reflects meticulous financial planning for a successful cultural event, as well as how this event has grown since then.
A poster for the 'American Indian Powwow,' featuring a minimalist illustration of folding chairs and a central drum encircled by drumsticks, with a soaring bird above the scene. The text below provides event details: 'March 31, 12 noon–12 midnight, Union Ballroom, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.' Additional information includes 'Open drum – All drums welcome' and 'No table fee for traders, donation only.' The poster dedicates the powwow to the memory of Wilber Shaganaby, with a note on his passing in December 1972. Rendered in earthy tones, the design reflects a balance of solemnity and cultural significance.
A vibrant pink poster for the Ann Arbor 1979 Powwow, held April 7-8 at the Cleary College Auditorium in Ypsilanti, MI. The event featured dance contests for men’s and women’s fancy and traditional categories, with registration closing at 2 PM on Saturday. Head dancers included Stonehorse Goeman and Connee Sagataw. Hosted by the Native American Affairs Committee and U-M Native American Student Association, the event included open drums, trader tables, and a fisheries symposium. The design is bordered by geometric patterns and turtle motifs.
A poster for the 1986 Powwow, held on April 12 and 13 at the Sports Coliseum in Ann Arbor, MI. The event was sponsored by the University of Michigan's Native American Student Association and Minority Student Services. The design features a detailed black-and-white illustration of a dancer in traditional regalia, adorned with feathers and intricate patterns. Event times are listed as Saturday at 1 PM and 7 PM and Sunday at 1 PM. Contributors include various university offices and programs.
A poster for a 'Pow Wow' event featuring a black-and-white illustration of a young child dressed in traditional regalia, including fringed garments and beaded designs. The child holds a small bow and arrow. The text indicates event details: 'Saturday 1 pm & 7 pm, Sunday 1 pm, Sports Coliseum, Ann Arbor,' set against a vibrant yellow background with simple border framing. The illustration is signed 'S. Otto -87,' denoting the artist and year.
A poster for the '18th Annual Ann Arbor Dance for Mother Earth Powwow,' featuring a striking black-and-white illustration of three faces blending seamlessly with abstract and natural elements, such as feathers, patterns, and the sun. The title is prominently placed at the top, with the word 'POWWOW' at the bottom, underscored for emphasis. The textured beige background adds an organic and earthy tone.
A poster for the '19th Annual Ann Arbor Dance for Mother Earth Powwow,' held on March 30th and 31st, 1991. The design features a detailed black-and-white illustration of figures connected to natural and celestial elements, surrounded by abstract flowing patterns, stars, and symbolic imagery. The word 'POWWOW' is vertically aligned on the left, complementing the layered composition. The textured background and artistic depiction emphasize cultural and spiritual themes.
A poster for the 1994 'Dance for Mother Earth Ann Arbor Pow Wow,' featuring a central illustration of a globe-like design with depictions of animals, people in traditional regalia, and natural elements such as mountains and a tree sprouting from the top. The design is rendered in earthy tones of green, white, and blue, surrounded by a circular background. The text below provides event details: 'March 25, 26 & 27, UM Crisler Arena.' The poster combines artistic symbolism and cultural representation with a clean, minimalistic layout.
A poster for the University of Michigan's 28th Annual Ann Arbor Powwow titled "Dance for Mother Earth." The vibrant design features a figure in traditional regalia holding a feather and raising a glowing image of the Earth. The red, white, and green detailing on the regalia contrasts against the bright green background. Text highlights the event's cultural significance, with publication partially funded by LSA-SG and printed on recycled paper, reflecting a theme of environmental and cultural harmony.
A poster for the 33rd Annual Ann Arbor Powwow at the University of Michigan, held on April 2nd and 3rd, 2005, at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, MI. The design features a globe surrounded by a circular pattern of white feathers, a radiant sunburst, and decorative greenery on a blue background. The title, "Dance for Mother Earth," is prominently displayed in yellow script, symbolizing the event's cultural and environmental significance. Artwork by David Shananaquet.