KESHENA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The sound of jingle dresses are once again making noise at the Menominee reservation for the Sturgeon Feast Pow Wow.
After a two year hiatus, the reservation is hosting the annual event to honor the prehistoric fish.
On Saturday, tribal members gathered to celebrate for the first time since the pandemic.
“We just want people to come and enjoy themselves and have a good time,” said Dave Grignon, historic preservation officer for the Menominee Indian Tribe.
The Sturgeon Feast Pow Wow has been an event celebrated by the Menominee tribe for over 20 years.
It starts off with a walk along the Wolf River at Keshena Falls, following a grand entry dance.
Earlier this week, the DNR released around 100 sturgeon in the Wolf River on the reservation.
Tribal members say they do this annual pow wow to honor their ancestors, and the fish.
“One of the first things our five clans did was to fish sturgeon in the river,” said Grignon. “We would wait for them to replenish our food supply, it’s culturally and spiritually significant to us.”
This year, the pow wow could also help a troubling issue for the community.
In March, the tribe announced steps on battling drug use, after leaders said there were around 70 overdoses on the reservation in the last three months.
“We’re trying to combat that with positive things, like drug and alcohol free events like this,” said Grignon
One young member says he’s excited to be back.
“I feel honored that I get to be part of the community and dance,” said Tate Zaqckkahosee. “I’m kind of glad I get to dance because I haven’t in a while… honored we get to do it in our new facility.”
The pow wow has usually taken place at the high school or casino, but this year was held at the tribe’s family and community engagement center, which opened last year.
15 sturgeon were cooked and then given to community members to take home after the festivities.
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