Photos: Powwow aims to bridge Bemidji communities
Twenty-four drum groups from Leech Lake, Red Lake and White Earth take turns performing during the powwow. The drums represent the heartbeat of Mother Earth, according to Earl Fairbanks, arena director of the powwow.
Monika Lawrence for MPR News
An unusual powwow was held last weekend in Bemidji, Minn., with the aim of bringing white and Native American communities together.
"We had so much fun last year, we wanted to do it again," Mayor Rita Albrecht said as she welcomed participants and visitors — native and non-native — to the second Bemidjigamaag Powwow held at the Sanford Center Saturday, April 23.
The Red Lake, White Earth, and Leech Lake tribes and the city of Bemidji joined in the celebration, which drew dancers and drummers from around the region.
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