The Native American students and community at the University of Michigan are requesting your input to help The Dance for Mother Earth Powwow planning committee better serve the community's powwow needs/wishes.
Please read over all questions before proceeding to answering them via the comment box. Respond with a copy and paste question method.
Please keep in mind that your comment is publicly posted and will be used during committee. Feel free to comment about other's comments.
1. What is your personal understanding of why the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor was moved off the University of Michigan campus to the area location Saline, HS?
2. The committee is determining if having the powwow return to the University of Michigan campus would be best for community interests. Would you agree upon its return to campus?
3. What kind of impact, requirements, or message would you like to see if the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow planning committee determines returning the powwow back to campus is appropriate?
In response to question number one, I just want to say that an open letter was written to University administrators to explain why the powwow was being moved, which members of the powwow committee approved and supported. A copy of it is below (and included in a 2nd post because it is too long for just one). This may help clear up some of the reasons why the powwow was moved in the first place.
ReplyDelete"To MESA:
I'm emailing you to follow up on the email I sent about canceling the powwow planning meeting. The reason I canceled the meeting is conversations have been taking place throughout the community about the progression of the powwow over the years. I've spoken with powwow committee members, UM faculty, and other Native community members and among them all is a strong desire to change—a change in the approach to our powwow, the structure of the planning, and the emotions surrounding powwow.
For a long time we've been calling this powwow the 2nd largest student-run powwow in the nation. I think most of us will agree that our powwow is no longer student run for a number of reasons. It's difficult for students to find time to plan powwow; the Native community is small and few people are consistently involved in the planning; and MESA has many more staff and fiscal resources to support the programming. For these and other reasons, the majority of the responsibility has transferred to the MESA office. This has affected not only the way the powwow is planned, but more importantly, Michigan Native communities'
attitudes towards it. Each year, the powwow loses support from the community as demonstrated by the declining numbers of participants.
As a result, the committee and other community members are taking it upon ourselves to try planning the powwow on our own. The benefits to this approach are numerous. We can avoid much of the bureaucracy that has frustrated dancers and drummers for years. We, as Native people, have never used bureaucracies to organize our spiritual and social events. It is inherently contradictory to the spirit and tradition of powwow. By moving away from the current structure, we can return to a more traditional way of managing powwow - using tobacco and other traditional medicines, following counsel from our elders, and interacting with the community building personal relationships, rather than business, professional relationships.
ReplyDeleteFor too long the powwow has been considered an event to be handled; the Native community, a group to be dealt with or managed. Planning the powwow on our own is a step that we need to take to make sure that the powwow is meeting our students' needs and our communities' needs. It should be a chance to celebrate our cultures, reunite with our families and friends, and learn and pass on our traditions. It should be for our community and our students, not for Ann Arbor residents and University recruitment brochures. It should never come between us and the preservation of our language. Our powwow should be treated as a meaningful community celebration, not as a showcase for diversity.
The Native community has continually been marginalized by the University. Issues with Michigamua, mismanagement of the tuition waiver, refusal to return our ancestral remains, tenure our faculty, and respect and support our staff and students has lead to a strong distrust for the University. Tensions surrounding the management of the powwow and the MESA office only exasperate these feelings. We need to make an effort to repair some of the damage done and protect our community.
Therefore, we will not be utilizing the Division of Student Affairs'
$50,000 of support for powwow this year. This does not mean we do not want to work with the University or MESA at all. Everyone is still welcome to participate in planning, publicizing, and staffing the powwow. However, we need a fundamental shift in the power and leadership for the powwow in order to ensure that it is fulfilling its purpose and supporting our students and communities.
We are very grateful to MESA staff for their dedication to our powwow. We are willing to meet with you to discuss this further, or clarify points made here, but our committee won't be having weekly meetings in MESA anymore, and we won't be consulting you for the majority of the powwow programming work. Please do not spend any more MESA or DSA funds on this powwow or continue with any planning until you hear from our committee.
We understand that this may raise concerns among the administration, but this is an important step we needed to take for the preservation of our culture and the celebration of our lives.
Thank you for understanding."
1. What is your personal understanding of why the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor was moved off the University of Michigan campus to the area location Saline, HS?
ReplyDeleteMy memory is there were several reasons. First Chrisler arena was only available the same weekend as the Anishnabee Langualge conference and we didnt want to conflict with them. We originally decided to go with EMU convocation center because it was much cheaper and would give a chance to involve EMU Native stidents more. Then when we went to book it the weekend we wanted wasnt avaialable. The cost of Chrisler and associated required things like their sound, DPS, Huron valley anbulence etc was too high. Then there is also the issue of the Native remains here, although that originally was not the main factor. There seemd to be no other U of M facilities available, I remember we checked and even the Filed house where the Powwow used to be years ago wasnt available, basically they said no to us.
2.The committee is determining if having the powwow return to the University of Michigan campus would be best for community interests. Would you agree upon its return to campus?
If the community feels it is best then of course we should return it to U of M campus - however many people I spoke with like it at the Middle School and appreciate the free parking, and there again is the cost of U of M facilities.
3. What kind of impact, requirements, or message would you like to see if the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow planning committee determines returning the powwow back to campus is appropriate?
Promised funding from U of M to cover the ridiculously high amount they charge plus allow us to use our own security instead of DPS. Also approval from the native community, ask poinion of George martin etc
1. What is your personal understanding of why the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor was moved off the University of Michigan campus to the area location Saline, HS?
ReplyDeleteMy understanding of why it was moved is all expressed in the letter that Brittany posted. One of the long standing issues with MESA-who will be the department in charge of Powwow-is their past treatment of Native staff and the lack of a current Native staff member to support the community.
2. The committee is determining if having the powwow return to the University of Michigan campus would be best for community interests. Would you agree upon its return to campus?
I don't believe that the issues with bureaucracy at UM and MESA can be solved in a timely enough manner to bring the Powwow back to UM next year. However, I am not opposed to opening dialogue with UM about returning the Powwow to campus in the future.
3. What kind of impact, requirements, or message would you like to see if the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow planning committee determines returning the powwow back to campus is appropriate?
Ensuring that it remains student, Alumni, and community run. Use of our own security. Finding a site on campus that has FREE parking and is Handicap Accessible!!! Allowing Powwow to take place at a time that works for both the community and UM rather than the University dictating the date. Greater promotion of the Powwow by the University (advertising, posting the date in the student planner, actively encouraging participation by ALL faculty, staff & students regardless of their ethnicity)
Respectfully, I want to mention that the powwow was moved for a number of reasons, one of which was the University's refusal to return ancestral remains. I realize that UM has made strides towards returning the remains but I also think it is important to be aware of all of the reasons for the move. As a member of the powwow committee that decided to move powwow, it is important to me to honor all of the reasons involved in the decision to move. In my mind, we moved powwow to protect our community and bring the powwow back to Indian people.
ReplyDeleteAs Brittany mentioned, an open letter was written to University administrators to explain why the powwow was being moved from under the control of the University. The members of the powwow committee approved and supported this letter. This letter was also shared with Native Studies faculty and Native administrators before it was sent to the University office in charge of powwow, MESA. At the time, we had no place to move the powwow, but we felt a move was necessary.
I want to highlight one section of the letter because I think that the full reasons for the move have been lost over the past couple of years:
"The Native community has continually been marginalized by the University. Issues with Michigamua, mismanagement of the tuition waiver, refusal to return our ancestral remains, tenure our faculty, and respect and support our staff and students has led to a strong distrust for the University. Tensions surrounding the management of the powwow and the MESA office only exasperate these feelings. We need to make an effort to repair some of the damage done and protect our community."
I think that as we look forward to the future, we should do our best to honor all of the reasons that we moved the powwow, all of which remain unresolved.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
and I want to echo Conner's statement regarding the letter: "honor all of the reasons that we moved the powwow, all of which remain unresolved."
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts on your recent emails of November 12, 2010, regarding A2 Pow Wow. I believe the Pow Wow should not return to the U of M Campus until our ancestors are repatriated. The Kipke Building in the shadow of the campus pow wow venue, is where our ancestors are illegally, unjustly and sickeningly being held. The longer their inhumane possession lasts, the more nauseating their ordeal becomes. U of M fails to notice, care or understand how the ancestors ordeal now becomes nauseating to all Native Americans and our allies. The impact of U of M's continued foot-dragging on our ancestral repatriation, is already turned into a cancer on their "face of education" and "heart of their civilization". Please know that you brave and honorable Native students, staff, and faculty will always have my - and my family's respect, love and support no matter what your futures hold.
ReplyDeleteIn closing may I suggest the name of the Pow Wow be changed to Dance for Mother Earth and OUR ANCESTORS. Also, don't be overly concerned about nay-sayers and those who fail to recognize the enormous implications of the pow wow "venues". Griping traders who want to make money for themselves, dancers who participate only for the prize money. You can't please 100% of the crowd. Don't be afraid to ignore those people. You can't say or do anything to placate or appease them. Just do the good faith effort for Mother Earth, ancestors and ourselves. Remember always pow wows are for you as well as participants. Good hearts, fun, reaffirmations and good will for good people must remain key for a wonderful pow wow. A bit of fun is necessary too.
Respectfully
George Martin & Family
1. What is your personal understanding of why the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor was moved off the University of Michigan campus to the area location Saline, HS? My understanding has always been that the move to an off-Campus PW was for multiple interrelated reasons. The posted letter and follow-up comments were helpful to read since I haven't been involved in Dance for Mother Earth PW planning for quite a while.
ReplyDelete2. The committee is determining if having the powwow return to the University of Michigan campus would be best for community interests. Would you agree upon its return to campus? If George, Sid and family say the time isn't right to bring the Pow Wow back to Campus, I respect their wisdom and support their thoughts on this question.
I think it would be best to keep this a traditional (non-contest) pow wow, wherever it is located. A wonderful goal would be to try to create a pow wow that is as popular with Indian people as the Chrysler Arena contest version, but have it be non-competitive. How can we do that? Give the dancers, singers and staff good honoraria; make the drums by invitation only and invite really good drums that are traditional and respectful and respected, even if not famous. By making it invitation only and paying decent honoraria, Drums will be excited to to participate. If you get really good Head Staff and Drums involved, it can continue to be a popular event drawing Indian people from throughout the Great Lakes region, without all the drama and bad feelings that often accompany big contest pow wow. Non-Indians will continue to come, learn and enjoy themselves as long as we are having a good time, and the food, music, dancing and vendors continue to be high quality.
Miigwech,
nick reo
Dear Respected Community,
ReplyDeleteIt is my understanding that the pow wow was moved off campus in protest of the university's holding of Native ancestral remains.
I definitely support full repatriation of ancestral remains to tribes as well as better support of Native students by UofM. I also support holding the pow wow somewhere on campus. I think by holding the pow wow on campus we have a better chance of bringing these issues to the surface within the university community.
I would also like to see our community come together and better support each other's efforts, including faculty, students, staff, and community members outside UofM. A great pow wow will come from a strong, healthy, and functional community, no matter its venue.
I think we also need a Native student advocate on staff at MESA or OAMI to support pow wow planning in a way that demonstrates cultural integrity and an ability to work cooperatively with students.
I also support using as much university funding as possible for our pow wow and other events. I think it is possible to do this and also demand power in decision making and representation in pow wow and other planning.
That's my two cents. Take it or leave it. No matter what, I have nothing but love for the Ann Arbor Pow Wow and want it to continue.
Peace,
Joe Reilly
Thanks to all those who have shared their comments so far. Especially to George Martin and family! It means a lot to see your continued support with the students from year to year! Miigwetch!
ReplyDeleteI believe the letter Brittany posted says it all. It has been published on the website and pow wow program for the past 2 years. It was drafted and adopted by the powwow committee 3 years ago. There is not going to be a Native specific person hired at MESA or Oami anytime soon since they are not allowed to hire for any ethnic specific positions by law. So NASA has been without a faculty advisor for several years. There hasn't been a Native faculty or staff person available to step into this role as of yet. So the undergrad students do not have a formal advocate in place when dealing with the University on issues big and small. This lack of advisement has not gone unnoticed by the university. They did not believe moving pow wow would even realistically happen the first year, and then the second year was even better. Despite the power plays over money by some University offices!
2. The committee is determining if having the powwow return to the University of Michigan campus would be best for community interests. Would you agree upon its return to campus?
ReplyDeleteKeeping the communities best interest in mind was a key concern for removing the pow wow from campus in the first place. Those who have ties to the pow wow and the local community will come no mater where pow wow is held. One of the main reasons for the move was the disconnect participants, vendors, and NASA students felt from one another. That and the growing feelings of disrespect from the U faculty and staff at MESA in particular. The A2 pow wow has been touted in the area as a contest pow wow with a traditional feel. When the first person people came into contact at Crisler was a non native who wants $5/day for parking, or how someone has "run them down" for their wristband or commented about their "costume", people no longer have those good feelings. Our pow wow should have a family and community feel. It used to. So we made the decision as the pow wow committee to do whatever it takes to ensure the pow wow continues in a good way. Taking the pow wow off campus has allowed the pow wow to be coordinated by the students and community once more. Participants and spectators shared that good feeling again the past 2 years at Saline. It was wonderful to step outside Saline last year and see families picnic on the grass, vs kids unattended climbing the cement walls at Crisler.
It has been such a joy for us to work with the staff at Saline Schools and the Saline community. They "LOVE us" there-their words not mine. They do not give us dirty looks, and avoid us like we have been treated for so many years at Crisler. We are allowed to use tobacco and smudge without question. Nor do we have to get special permission. We can have more than 1 Native food vendor at Saline. At Crisler we are only allowed to have 1, and the other vendor is run by the U contractors, not someone we choose. Saline is handicapped accessible and there is free parking for all! It is just a breath of fresh air to be treated with respect and admiration vs ignorance and disdain.
3. What kind of impact, requirements, or message would you like to see if the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow planning committee determines returning the powwow back to campus is appropriate?
I believe the issues stated in the letter speak for itself. They need to be honored before a return to campus takes place. I feel a pow wow coordinator hired by the university would be essential. I agree that finding a role for all those who wish to participate in pow wow be negotiated on our terms. This may not take place during this school year or even the next.
I feel the University should comp the fees required for the building charges if pow wow returns to campus. The cost savings of pow wow at Saline are witout a doubt convincing enough for me to keep pow wow from returning to campus. However, I believe that by using the pow wow as leverage against the university to further another cause would not be a wise move. They may deny funding all together, then you have no pow wow. Everybody loses :(
Thanks for allowing me to share my concerns,
Pam
Aanii Anishinaabek...I won't repeat the wonderfully rich comments offered by so many of our supporters. I think so much good input has been offered. This is, indeed, a big decision.
ReplyDeleteI'll offer a few thoughts of my own that I don't see emphasized in the other comments. Most of all, I hope we balance honoring the community, student capacity, & strategy that will help us pass on a stronger NASA to the students who come after us. As I've said a million times, we are only stewards of NASA. But as these emails show, it leaves a lasting impression on our lives.
I recognize that repatriation has gained the most attention among the many good reasons to move powwow. And I do always have my responsibilities to my ancestors foremost in my mind. But so many things would be different if that was the "only" or even primary problem students have with the U. Media attention to repatriation and powwow further fails to develop the other important critiques students make about their U.
I want to start by saying I'm really torn about this. I can see benefits on both sides. Most of all I hope:
--we are very realistic about student capacity. The current crisis within our group, I feel, is in no small part due to being utterly overworked.
--we strategize with our potentially falling student #s in mind.
--we consider all options at UM--Crisler is only one space.
--we balance the true loveliness of Saline with the extra work to go it alone.
--we appreciate how much influence we have to set our own terms, but also be realistic about the limited (at best) capacities of UM to collaborate w. us on this without a dedicated person to help us. (I believe we can get this...but do we want it?)
--we balance the reality of this being a student-led powwow, with our deeply meaningful connectedness, dependence on, and collaboration with our community.
--once we decide on a venue, we have to do the very important work of building internal and external structures.
--I agree with Punkin that we can't count on the outcomes of repatriation just yet. Some things *seem to be* headed in the right direction, some things are still pretty darn dicey.
--the emotional part of me says keep it in Saline-it's so wonderful there for all the reasons detailed + we need time to rebuild structure and trust! The practical side of me says move it back to campus-we need the support, and are in a more powerful place to create structures that work for us.
Besides all the important sentiments expressed by others, I just want to add that we also not squander the ways the university is now taking us seriously. IF we move it back, for the sake of our ancestors and students to follow, we have to make the most of the influence Native people have created for ourselves with UM.
Hope that is useful, see you tonight.
Veronica
Aanii nejikeen,
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has been around this powwow for going on my fifth year, I have seen the good and the bad that is Crisler and Saline. I recall the decision being made to move the powwow because of our ancestral remains being mistreated and as a community protesting to make it known we do not approve. We have reason to celebrate now that we are making headway and to be thankful for those on campus who have been involved. We do not have all the remains back but they are on their way home. This is a first step to returning to campus, which must of us live, learn and work at. As far as MESA involvement, I recall the issue being that we were not being consulted on decision making and many decision were being made because in some cases needed to be made immediately because of inevitable time crunch. As students working with a university student group-organization, it is our responsibility to be using the organization as a resource and for some we began to feel like a resource. We should be aware of the power we hold and maintain it, lets use this years heritage month as an example.
We as an organization are a big deal- if we are to come back to campus, we OURSELVES need to be a powerful united group, not the meek and meager smallest minority group that we are projected.
As a community we need to recognize that what we need from campus for our powwow is a location that we can rent for three days,big enough for our crowds we attract, and monetary support. We would love to have a larger Native student body and more Native faculty but these are needs that WE could fulfill by reestablishing the strong community we need. We united to have our remains be returned and although its a slow process we now have a university that sides with us.
This past week it was said more then once that the university is a large animal that does not always know what is going on with one hand while its doing something else with the other. It is my belief from the people we have met and leaders that have not always been aware or okay what has been going on elsewhere on campus. This is where the community and NASA steps in, we don't need leverage, we don't need enemies, we need to work together and get our problems resolved. Use the power we have, wether it be on campus or not.
I remember the facility of Crisler and I know whats also here on campus and that is the only real thing I miss is the space and the feel. Can we be at the fieldhouse? Can we be in yost? Oosterbaun? I'll be honest when we are at Crisler its feels official and the space for me represents the largest midwest powwow. My earliest memories of powwows is at Crisler and call it nostalgia but are powwow seems more important and better then all the others.