The Milwaukee Intertribal Circle (MIC) is bringing back the New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow, set for Wednesday, December 31, Tthigwe Gymnasium on the Wgema Campus.

     For decades, the sobriety powwow has served as a safe, alcohol-free celebration for Milwaukee’s Native American families. When the gathering disappeared, community members voiced how much they missed having a place to come together in a sober, supportive environment. MIC responded by reviving the powwow this year.

     “We heard and experienced the community’s desire to have this powwow again,” MIC leadership shared. “This is a chance to gather, celebrate in unity, and uplift one another in sobriety as we welcome a new year.”

     The celebration is free and open to the public, beginning with a potluck feast from 5 to 7 p.m. before Grand Entry at 7 p.m. The evening will continue with singing, dancing, and intertribal sharing, with midnight snacks offered as families welcome the new year together. The event will close at 1 a.m.

     This year’s lineup includes Host Drum Red Nation Boyz and Co-Host Drum Little Priest, with Brian Jackson and Ethan Heipel serving as Masters of Ceremony.

     Sonny Smart will direct the arena, with Michael Salinas assisting as the Junior Arena Director. Melissa Doud-Jackson will serve as Head Veteran, accompanied by the Southeastern Oneida Color Guard.

     Featured dancers include Lana Schocko as Head Female Dancer, Duane Waubanscum as Head Male Dancer, Genesis Manns as Junior Head Female Dancer, and Elias Decora as Junior Head Male Dancer.