Rosalie LaBillois
Native Voices is a club that promotes Native American awareness within UMPI and the local community. The club is open to all students who are interested in the Native American culture. Native Voices president, Anna Saucier, wants to make some positive changes within the club. One of those changes will alter what was known as Native American Appreciation Day.
During the first week of spring, the Native People gather to give thanks to the new season. They join together after a long winter to celebrate in the way of their culture, by drumming, singing and dancing, eating and socializing. Anna wants to continue this tradition by enhancing and changing Native American Appreciation Day to the Spring Powwow.
The Spring Powwow will be a one-day event that will take place in Wieden Hall on March 24, 2018. Grand entry will begin at noon. This signals the start of the powwow. There will be an MC, head dancers, a host drum and a special guest for the opening ceremony. Distinguished Native American vendors will also be present to sell and display their handmade crafts.
Nicholas Paul, who is Passamaquoddy and Maliseet and a former president of Native Voices said that he and his family plan on attending as long as they have no commitments at that time. Asked how he felt about the Spring Powwow, he said, “It opens the eyes of the people around UMPI: what it’s all about, the people, the vendors and the gathering itself.” Nicholas also said one year they had a Native American Dance Competition and native dancers came all the way from Nova Scotia. At this gathering the UMPI radio station was present and stayed the entire time of the powwow, doing live broadcasts and playing some of the native music and songs on the radio.
Anna extends her invitation. “Please join us as we celebrate the spring season. It’s a time of renewal, as Mother Earth is reawakening. It is also a time to honor our youth. We are expecting a high volume of tribal members from Wabanaki country. Come and discover real native art and culture in contemporary styles. All are invited to join us and welcome our elders, our youth, distinguished artists, drummers and dancers to the University of Presque Isle Spring Powwow.”
Dinner will be a potluck, taking place around 5 p.m. It will consist mainly of traditional foods such as various fish or seafood plates, locally grown vegetables, traditional corn chowder and hopefully some smoked salmon, venison, bear or moose meat. Fry bread will also be on the menu, but in small portions to benefit healthy eating.
Students, faculty, employees and the local community members are encouraged to participate in this unique celebration. Learn new traditions, try traditional dishes and make new friends at the Spring Powwow.
Volunteers would be greatly appreciated to help set up and clean up after the event. A reminder the Spring Powwow is an alcohol and drug free event.
