People wonder why drums are the only instrument used in powwows, Superior High School student Alex Morro said.
“It’s the heartbeat of all living things. It’s the heartbeat you heard when you were in your mother,” he explained.
At least 10 drums were used at the Native Nations Ziigwan Powwow, held Saturday at Superior Middle School, double the number that have usually attended the annual powwow held by the Superior school district’s Indian Education Program.
“It’ll be quite loud, but fun,” said Elijah Gonalakis, a Superior Middle School student.
Superior middle and high school students were among the drummers at the powwow this year.
“It’s an honor to be a part of a drum group. It’s a big honor,” said Morro, who added that taking part in a drum group is embracing his culture. He began drumming in fifth grade, when he received his Ojibwe name, and travels around to drum at various powwows throughout the year.
Gonalakis, who also began drumming in fifth grade, said, “I feel honored that elders love to have us here.”
More than 500 people were expected to fill the middle school’s gym Saturday for a powwow that brought together several Native American student organizations for the first time.
Two powwows were typically held separately this time of year.
This year would have been the Superior school district’s Indian Education Program’s 11th annual powwow and the 26th annual powwow for the Native Nations Student Organization and First Nations Center at University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Using the Ojibwe word for spring - ziigwan - they joined together for the inaugural Native Nations Ziigwan Powwow, said Kristin McKibbage, Indian Education Program coordinator.
Getting drum groups was a big part of organizing the powwow, Morro said.
Saturday’s powwow lasted for nine hours, with two grand entries and a feast. Planning includes a lot of networking, McKribbage said. They have to find vendors, organize concessions and plan the feast.
They focus on the students at the powwow, from planning it to dancing and drumming. Many of the students attending are in Superior’s Native Youth Club for K-12 students that meets weekly, she said.
The powwow is a way to express the culture and get together, whether people are Native American or not, Morro said.
Gonalakis said, “We accept everyone.”
