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Monika Lawrence
Bemidji, Minn.

Photos: Powwow aims to bridge Bemidji communities

Twenty-four drum groups took turns performing.
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

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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.

Gallery
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Ending the powwow with a traveling song.
The community powwow ended with a traveling song. After all dancers, drummers, dignitaries and masters of ceremony left the arena, Bill Brown, center, a Korea and Vietnam veteran and member of the tribal Honor Guard, bids his comrades farewell while walking through the eagle staffs.
Monika Lawrence for MPR News
1 of 17
Twenty-four drum groups took turns performing.
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
2 of 17
A grand entry
Dancers fill the Sanford Center floor during the Bemidjigamaag Powwow's second grand entry.
Monika Lawrence for MPR News