The Pokagon Band of Pottawatomi will hold a pow wow this Memorial Day weekend.

The band’s Marchell Wesaw tells us the event will be at the tribe’s property at 58620 Sink Road in Dowagiac Saturday and Sunday. It’ll be a gathering of the whole community.

“We’re excited about this powwow every year because it’s basically our first outdoor gathering where we all get to shake off the winter hibernation, look at the green plants again, and get to see each other for the first time,” Wesaw said.

Wesaw says there will be plenty to see and do.

“For us, they’re traditional just gatherings coming together. There’s traditional dancing, which is offered as a gift to the creator for those who are in regalia. There’s also intertribal dancing, which is just social dancing. There’s food, food vendors, craft vendors, and it’s just an opportunity for people to come together.”

Wesaw says the crafts will be handmade with Native American themes.

Everyone is welcome to attend the pow wow for some fun and to learn about Pokagon culture. Wesaw asks those who go not to touch the regalia worn by traditional dancers and to ask before snapping photos.

The gates open both days at 10 a.m. with the grand entry set for noon and 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. The pow wow will be free to attend.