Powwow Dancers — Jingle dancers at 2023 Iskigamizigan powwow

It’s a cherished season we eagerly await. Last weekend, MLCV and our community celebrated the 57th annual Iskigamizigan powwow (Mille Lacs powwow). Each year, our Associates attend as volunteers to support the event’s efforts while embracing time outside of the office and with the community we proudly serve. The occasion is a time for us to truly be in the action. To witness the souls and culture behind our mission and learn as much as possible from each and every one. To bring the action, that fire-filled soul, back into the office, and with us every day — is really the goal. We wanted to share a little piece of that with you. So, we connected with Celleia Merrill, a Mille Lacs Reservation community member and Jingle powwow dancer.

Q&A: Celleia Merrill

Celleia Merrill. Her native given name is “Giiwedinookwe,” which translates to north wind woman. She is a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribe in South Dakota, but her roots are in the Mille Lacs Band Reservation. And so is her dancing. As a recent Isle High School graduate, her world is wide open. Yet, she still chooses to dance in her community. Just last weekend, she was in action at the Iskigamizigan powwow. And even as she navigates her soon-to-be life as a University of Minnesota Duluth student, she plans to stay close to her connection as a Native Jingle dancer — paying a special homage to its Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe origin dating back to the early 1900s.

I sat down with Celleia to discuss what it’s like to be a powwow dancer in the arena. Still, I learned much more — like how she attributes her dancing growth and cultural closeness to her grandfather, who introduced her to Big Drum, where she has participated since she was five. Even through times of change and uncertainty, Big Drum was there. It brought her closer to the Ojibwe teachings she was raised on and grounded her when she returned home from a move in adolescence. Big Drum is a sacred ceremony. It’s a time to bring people together and bless good among all, especially in difficult times. It’s to heal people from sorrow, physical, psychological, or social pain.

Learning this insight at the beginning of our conversation helped me understand the values Celleia and the community hold close, and I think it will for you, too.

HT: What is a powwow?

CM: A powwow is a social gathering. It's a time for Native people to come together and enjoy music, dancing, and, of course, food. Some powwows are contests, and others are traditional. At either, it's a time when we get to celebrate and showcase our dancing style and culture within the community and people traveling from all over, even as far as Canada.

But there's a deeper meaning, too. Powwows are important because not that long ago; Native people weren't allowed to dance, practice their culture, speak their language, or even cut their hair. So being able to gather today, honoring ourselves and our ancestors that couldn’t, is incredibly meaningful.

HT: When and how did you learn to dance in powwows?

Celleia Merrill and cousins dancing, 2013

CM: I was first introduced to dancing when I was about five and began participating in Big Drum. From a young age, I remember watching my grandpa dance; he could really dance! He began to teach me, and I loved it. Then, when I was about eight, my mom took me to a regalia-making class at Nay-Ah-Shing school, where I picked colors and had help making my first dress. Around that same time, I had just started dancing in the Iskigamizigan (Mille Lacs) powwow. After a few years, we moved, and just a few years ago, around 15, we moved back. So that's when I became even more active in powwow dancing. My aunt, Wendy, was pivotal in encouraging and supporting me. She offered up her regalia for me to borrow, and I began dancing with her at powwows. She helped me get back out there and start participating in contests.

HT: What does it mean to you to dance in the Iskigamizigan (Mille Lacs) powwow?

CM: It feels like home. The Mille Lacs Reservation is my homeland, and I am proud to have the opportunity to dance here, where the sense of community is so strong. The people, the beautiful lake surrounding the grounds, it makes me feel whole. It gives me more confidence and a sense of belonging because this is my community. I am a part of the people. And as a Jingle dancer, it carries even more meaning, knowing it stems from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in the early 1900s.

HT: Where do you gather your inspiration to dance?

CM: I gather inspiration from my family. It's special to me when I dance with my family, especially my younger sister. What's neat is that she looks to me for inspiration, too. She'll ask me to teach her to dance, watch, and advise her on moves. Knowing she's there watching me and looking to me for guidance gives me an extra boost of knowing I am dancing for a reason. Really, she is what kept me dancing during those times I paused.

HT: What is your favorite powwow dance style, and why?

CM: I love to Side Step. This style of dance originates with the jingle dress. It's a powerful and healing song and dress. Its origin stems from a long-standing story of a man who had a dream about his sick granddaughter. In the dream, he made her a jingle dress, which she wore. At first, she was too ill to dance, so others carried her. But, eventually, she could dance freely, healed of her illness through the dress and dance.

HT: Can you tell me a little about powwow regalia?

Celleia Merrill (third from left) and cousins, 2022

CM: The regalia is beautiful. Each dancer gets to pick regalia based on the song and dance style. The two go hand in hand. So, for women, there’s Traditional, Scrub, Southern, Northern Style Scrub, Buckskin, Jingle, Contemporary Jingle, Old Style, Fancy, and Old Style Fancy. Some dancers make the regalia themselves. Or some Native artists create them. For example, a local Anishinaabe artist, Adrienne Benjamin, makes jingle dresses upon order. You can give her ideas, and she will bring them to life with her creative touch.

HT: How does it feel to be out there, dressed in your regalia, dancing?

CM: It's hard to explain. I feel really grateful even to be able to dance for myself and other people who can't. It feels so good, especially if the songs are jamming, and you just feel it!

HT: What have you learned from dancing in powwows?

CM: I've learned how to carry myself while dancing and in life. You must remember that the energy you have while wearing a jingle dress is crucial. Because it's a healing dress, feeling good about yourself and putting out positive energy is important. I've learned the impact of not engaging in negative behavior or drama.

HT: What challenges have you faced from dancing in powwows?

CM: I think a challenge for anyone is just having the confidence to go out there and start dancing. Especially if it’s a contest powwow, it takes a lot of courage to dance for everyone to watch. Another challenge in contest powwows is maintaining good vibes and ignoring negative energy when scoring and judging. It’s vital to be a team player and not be discouraged by losing or not doing as well as hoped.

HT: What do you love about powwows?

Celleia Merrill (far left) and friends doing a switch dance special

CM: I love how people come together just to be together. We enjoy singing, dancing, trying the different food stands, visiting with friends we haven't seen in a long time, and meeting new ones. Of course, I love dancing too - trying different styles, hearing various composed songs, and watching others dance in their chosen style just because they love to dance.

HT: What advice would you give to someone who may want to dance in a powwow?

CM: If you're nervous to start dancing (I know I was), start by watching dancers. You can take videos and watch them back, too. I also recommend participating in the intertribal, where anyone and everyone can dance. It's a great place to calm your nerves. Work on your style and practice, practice, practice.

HT: Can you tell me more about intertribal?

CM: Intertribal is when the emcee invites anyone wanting to dance in the arena. Whether you are an experienced dancer in regalia or a first-time spectator wearing socks, you can join!

HT: What advice would you give someone attending a powwow as a guest?

CM: Watch and listen. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Our community is really open and accepting to everyone, so those of non-Native backgrounds are always welcome, too. As long as you arrive ready to embrace and learn about powwows and their teachings, you will appreciate the experience and enjoy yourself.

This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Senior Communications Strategist. Hannah is a storyteller and is responsible for capturing great moments within MLCV’s portfolio.