The sweet smell of Native food fills the air, with the sounds of traditional drumming and singing echoing throughout the room.

This will be the environment on Saturday, March 24 at the 25th annual “Learning to Walk Together” traditional pow wow.

The pow wow is a gathering to celebrate life, hosted by The Native American Student Association (NASA). The event is open to the public for a day of dancing and feasting, as well as honoring the diverse Native American cultures in the community and the Midwest.

Tribes and Native American people across the Northern Midwest will be joining the event here in Marquette. This includes the Anishinaabe tribe from Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie, tribes from Minnesota, and even people from Canada.

Students who attend the “Learning to Walk Together” pow wow will learn more about the Native American culture, said Kristina Misegan, a senior Native American studies major, who is the president of NASA.

“[The event] is a time to meet up with friends and family, dance and sing, eat, and to get yourself in a good state of mind. It’s a great diverse event that brings everyone on different walks of life together to celebrate,” Misegan said.

Her favorite part of the pow wow is the grand entries.

“It is the first dance of each session,” she said. “The host drum leads all dancers together with a special song. You see all of the dancing styles together during grand entry, and it feels good to be in such a happy atmosphere.”

Kainon Clark, a senior Native American studies major, has been helping with the event for three years now. He said people should come to the pow wow to enjoy the traditional drumming.

“The best part of the event is the drumming. I used to drum, and I still do. It feels good, and sounds good. The music just hits you,” Clark said.

The doors open at 11 a.m. at the Marquette Armory with the grand entries at noon and 6 p.m. A turkey feast will take place in a tent outside the armory at 4 p.m. There will be also be a giveaway at the end of the event. The pow wow will be free of charge to
the public.