LAKE GENEVA POWWOW

Father's Day Weekend
LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN

The Spirit Fire

The spirit fire is the spiritual center of the powwow. It is located to the east of the powwow arena.The fire is surrounded by a circle of flat cedar boughs. A basket holds tobacco for those who wish to make an offering and pray. Someone is always available at the fire to answer questions.

The fire is first lit on Thursday and is kept alive until Sunday evening when the powwow ends. During these four days, a firekeeper ensures that the flame is always burning day and night.

In earlier days, fire was a necessity of life -- people depended on it for warmth, light, healing, and cooking. The nomadic life of many tribes meant frequent moves, and the fire had to be carried from one place to another. Trying to start a new fire in bad weather would be a difficult task. Because fire was essential, the council of elders needed a trustworthy man willing to commit to the duty of keeping a fire burning at all times. If a family's cooking fire went out, the firekeeper would help start a new one. When hunters or warriors went out into the night, the fire would lead them back home again.

Who Are the Firekeepers?

Sometimes powwows celebrate or honor something in particular. The Lake Geneva Powwow is known as the "Honor the Firekeepers" Powwow. Before the European settlers came to this area, a large group of Algonquin-speaking people, the Potowatami, lived 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 became know as peacemakers. This powwow honors these people and their traditions.

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Etiquette
Powwow Staff
The Arena
The Four Circles
The Spirit Fire
The Songs
Men's Dances
Women's Dances
Social Dances
Powwow Calendar