French Fur Traders Enhanced Rendezvous Powwow
To the Editor,

It's a shame that one of the most memorable events of this summer should be lambasted by Laughlin, Nevada, resident Charles Adams. Is the tribal chairmanship at stake? What's the agenda?

The Saint Ignace combined Powwow and Rendezvous-Reenactment was an accurate depiction of life in the Straits area nearly 400 years ago, a mingling of people and cultures that endured for hundreds of years. The French Jesuit priests maintain the earliest documentation of local indigenous people. Is that so horrible? Twenty-twenty hindsight is a quirky and selective thing, especially commenting from the other end of the country.

We haven't enjoyed a powwow for three years. It was nice to have one. The added participation, publicity, and educational lectures were fascinating. Our Mackinac Straits powwow was memorable and unique. I actually attended and photographed this event, live in the area, and want to commend all of the participants.

Rest assured that a few encampments of French Fur traders did not detract from any Anishinabe representation; rather, it enhanced the event. I honestly believe that more people participated, more people attended, and more people spent money in St. Ignace and during the event than is normal for a first-time powwow. I hope the tradition continues.

To each and every attendee, to every person who contributed in any way to putting this multi-cultural event on the map, you all did a terrific job; it was extremely enjoyable and worth repeating. I had a wonderful weekend and intend to participate next year. The "New France Discovery Center" was filled with people. The trails that circled the powwow arena, with views of the Straits below, offered incredible photographic opportunities. It was great fun!

I certainly hope that we can put aside our differences and ignore a petty attempt to cause disharmony and strife. Try accentuating the positives of a memorable weekend event instead of again leaving ourselves with no powwow at all. Each season we learn, and every year improve upon historical efforts to recognize the Anishinabe.

This event has great potential, and the French Fur Traders/Reenactors sincerely put the Native people first in their hearts when they spoke, participated, played music, as they joined the dancers within the powwow arena.

I remember Richard Kent described (and documented) how much the French appreciated local indigenous people, adopted their customs, language, and clothing. Next year, let's work together, as our forefathers did, to make it even better and hope more people attend.

Had Mr. Adams actually attended this powwow, his commentary and critique might hold water. There are some negatives in mixing Anishinabe and European cultures, but should we dwell on the bad times and ignore all of the good? After all, it's 2007 A.D. and we're not going back in time to change things.

Kimberly Paré (Perrault) Hagen

Fort Algonquin, St. Ignace