Second annual youth powwow attracts dancers from far distances
By Ken Luchterhand
The second annual Nioxawani Youth Powwow drew a record 117 dancers this year and went longer than planned because of the enthusiasm it generated, according to event co-organizer Lisa Flick.
The powwow was held on Friday evening, May 26, the night before the annual Memorial Day Weekend Powwow at the Black River Falls Powwow Grounds.
It began when Legislator Lori Pettibone approached Desiree Pettibone and Lisa Flick, District 1 Youth Center directors, and told them that there was $5,000 available for each area that was designated toward cultural practices and education for youth.
The two Youth Center directors put in a request for the money and the Legislature granted it.
They wanted to put on a youth powwow, but needed the guidance from someone else, who might have some experience in organizing a powwow.
Lohman Cloud was consulted and he provided the structure needed to shape the youth powwow. He established the agenda, arranged the placement of tobacco, found a head veteran, head male and female dancers, and everything else that was needed.
“To have help from someone with experience was huge,” Flick said.
The powwow attracted 117 youth dancers this year and five drum groups. Last year only two drum groups performed.
Paul Cloud was the head veteran who presented the Eagle Staff, which represents all veterans. Matt Mann was the master of ceremonies.
“Matt really got the dancers and crowd involved,” Flick said. The event was supposed to end at 9:30 p.m., but it continued until 10:45 p.m. because of an increased level of interest.
The head male was Cordell Funmaker and the head female was Olivia Anderson, with Naomi Falcon as the outgoing princess. The outgoing ambassador was D.J. Scott.
For the 2017-18 reign, Hozhoni Whitecloud was chosen as princess while Geno Yellowbird was chosen as ambassador.
“They represented their positions so well,” Flick said.
Before the representatives were chosen they were given two questions: 1. What are your hobbies and interests, and 2. How will you represent the powwow.
The two chosen people did excellent, speaking the language, giving a greeting and said who they represented, all in Ho-Chunk language, Flick said.
“They did amazing,” she said. “They made me proud and I’m happy they were selected.”
All the drum groups were local, but the attendees came from all different tribes, including Keshena, Oneida, Meskwaki and Potawatomi.
“Lohman does a good job of promoting the event,” Flick said. “He passes out posters at all the other powwows and events.”
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