LAKE GENEVA POWWOW

LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN
Father's Day Weekend
JUNE 14-15, 2008

About the Lake Geneva Powwow

What is a powwow?

Powwows are open to the public, and you are invited to join in the festivities. Powwows are a continuation of the intertribal gatherings that have been held in this country for many thousands of years. Lake Geneva Powwow is a traditional powwow; its entire focus is on bringing people of all nations together to learn, have fun, and rekindle old friendships and form new ones. It’s similar to a family reunion, honoring sacred traditions.

The main features of these celebrations are the drums, music, and dancing, as well as the colorful regalia of the dancers and all the crafts and foods available for sale. Many different American Indian cultures are represented, and the heritage of the dancers and singers is reflected in their clothing, their dance steps, and their songs. Powwows are a celebration of life and its interconnectedness. They provide an opportunity to get together and have a good time and learn about other cultures and traditions as we share about our own.

Please be respectful of the traditions and follow the instructions of the Master of Ceremonies. No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the grounds.

Who are the Firekeepers?

Sometimes these gatherings celebrate or honor something in particular. The Lake Geneva Powwow is known to many as the "Honor the Firekeepers" Powwow. Before the European settlers came to this area, a large group of Algonquin-speaking people, the Potowatami, made this area their home, and they camped near the shores of Geneva Lake. Part of the responsibilities the Potowatami took on when they separated from their Algonquin relatives was keeping the sacred fire going, so they are referred to as the "Firekeepers." They were also traders, and because they maintained their neutrality in the conflicts of other tribes, over time they also became know as peacemakers. This powwow honors these people and their traditions.

Those of us involved in this powwow do it for various reasons, but at the core is the desire to pay respect to the ancestors who have walked before us and to keep the traditions alive by sharing them with others. We have come together to do this from different walks of life and cultures, not all of them indigenous. We do this on our own and are not sponsored or supported by any branch of the Potowatami Nation or any casino operation.

Learn More

The Four Circles
Regalia
Powwow Calendar
Interesting Links