Patty Loew:
The wolf, bear, eagle, moose and crane are important symbols to the five clans of the Menominee nation. They’ve been handing down their traditions from one generation to the next for 10,000 years. Each summer clans from across the US and Canada gather for the Menominee nation powwow. As contributing producer Inga Foley discovered, it's held in the woodland bowl, a natural amphitheater set among the pines in Keshena.

Lisa Waukau:
On behalf of the Menominee Indian tribe of Wisconsin I would like to extend a warm welcome to all.

Lisa Waukau:
The dancers. Singers, drummers. All of our relatives and all of our visitors to the 42nd annual Menominee nation powwow.

Man:
We would like all of our contestants and the girls traditional to please come on up.

Lisa Waukau:
Let us all give thanks to the creator for bringing us together on this beautiful day. You can't beat the weather in Keshena.

Man:
The trophy dance in the teen girls category, first place, Mickey --, HoChunk, big round of applause for our three placers.

Lisa Waukau:
This is also a time to renew thoughts of the old ways and to preserve our rich heritage that was given to us by our ancestors.

Lisa Waukau:
Let us not forget about our brothers and sisters in the midst of combat giving unselfishly so that those of us back home here can celebrate days like today.

Lisa Waukau:
We pray for them, we pray for their families and we pray for their safe return home.

Lisa Waukau:
All of our visitors, our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope that you have safe travel back to your homes. Thank you and may you enjoy the beauty of the songs and each other's company.

Patty Loew:
The Menominee are an Algonquin speaking tribe. The name means “people of the wild rice.” The powwow is held on the first weekend in August. For more information go to our website wpt.org/inwisconsin. The event attracts some of the best Native American dancers and drummers in the nation.