One hundred eleven years ofeditorildfreedom Y1 NEWS: 76-DAILY CLASSIFIED: 764-0557 www michigandaily. com Friday March 29, 2002 OXIIINO. _ nn 02002 The Micttigaq Daily Pow Wow celebrates traditions, history By Maria Sprow Daily Staff Reporter This weekend marks the 30th annual "Dance for Mother Earth" Ann Arbor Pow Wow, a three-day Native Ameri- can cultural extravaganza that has gained so much popularity since its birth that organizers say is now out- growing the 13,000 seat Crisler Arena - its home for the last 10 years. Nearly 1,000 Native American dancers will compete this weekend, and more than 10,000 spectators and shoppers are expected to attend. In Native American culture, Pow Wows are a time for tribes to join in celebration, renew friendships and pre- serve their heritage through singing and dancing. Crisler Facility Director Lisa Panetta-Alt, who has set up for the Pow Wow since it moved to Crisler, said she attributes the event's crowd to its reputation. "It's become so popular through word-of-mouth," she said, adding that she believes the event has grown enough that it is time to switch locations. She added that she does not know of a location on campus large enough to accommodate the attendees. "Unless you have it outside, where else are you going to have it?" Panetta-Alt said attending the Pow Wow has allowed her to learn aspects of Native American culture she never knew before. "Each group has their own kind of beat. Each group has their own sounds, their own costumes, their own danc- ing,"she said. "They are all unique." Though for some the Pow Wow is a learning experience, others said the event is a way to stay connected to their heritage and to experience some nostalgia. Kinesiolpgy senior Andrea Walsh, an Ojibwa from the Sue St. Marie tribe, said this will be her fourth time attending the Ann Arbor Pow Wow. But she added that she is no stranger to other Pow Wows. "I've been going to Pow Wows since I was little," Walsh said, adding that she enjoys Ann Arbor's because of its diver- sity. 'It brings in people from a whole lot of different tribes. Most Pow Wows just have a couple tribes from a distinct area." Down and dirty - , 5°-;. °v- 7 A, +1 .. I More men *Arab to be I . Ir #,Y } I i - & a Al questioned _s ! ~ r ~ell -, ':4 Ar Ia..,- t :