The addition of an alpine coaster at Spirit Mountain further "carnivalizes" the recreation area. The new attraction is meant to give the public something to do the rest of the year when the Nordic season and winter months are over, something that would bring tax revenue to Duluth.
Bringing Indians into the planning staff and board of Spirit Mountain can develop the recreation area into a prosperous place for traditional and non-traditional Indian and non-Indian communities.
The mayor has appointed an Indian person to the Spirit Mountain Authority Board.
There is a longing from both Indian and non-Indian communities to bring back the Ni-Mi-Win ("Lets dance") powwow days to Duluth. Spirit Mountain has the capacity! It would be great to have Ni-Mi-Win days again, especially over July 4 because most are patriotic and Indians are very patriotic.
At each powwow there is a veterans' dance. A powwow to honor veterans takes place in Sawyer, sponsored by the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation.
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Ni-Mi-Win days would cost taxpayers little, perhaps even nothing. If Indians are involved there would be much free national advertising for Duluth. Tourists would say, "Duluth is where tourists go." It could influence the National Congress of American Indians to have several of its meetings at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. It could have an impact on all.
Up to now there hasn't been Indian involvement in Spirit Mountain.
Warner Wirta
Duluth
