The lead male and female dancers at the 16th annual Gathering of the Eagles Powwow in Hessel pose Saturday, August 16. Pictured are Charlene Brissette of Hessel, whose native name is Dancing Eagle Woman, and Robert Olivarri of Gun Lake, whose native name is White Eagle. The two explained that all aspects of their regalia have specific meanings. "We're small, but we're very powerful here," said John Causley of Hessel as he scanned the Hessel Powwow grounds Saturday, August 16. Nearby, to the omnipresent beating of drums, dancers in elaborate regalia whirled around the center of the arena. The rhythm they followed represented the heartbeat of Mother Earth, a major theme at the powwow, which hosted tribal members from near and far for the 16th annual Gathering of the Eagles.

Organizers are happy with the event, said Mr. Causley, who was especially pleased that more youth drummers got involved this year, enhancing the focus of the gathering.

"It's about uniting Indian people from all over. It's time to see each other," said Abraham Bouschor of Sault Ste. Marie.

Lillian Wiser and her son, Russell Wiser Jr., of Raco pose at the 16th annual Gathering of Eagles Powwow in Hessel Saturday, August 16. The elaborate blueberry-shaped baskets on display are produced by Ms. Wiser, sometimes with help from her son and other family members. Mr. Bouschor is now a drummer and trader, but he was a dancer for seven years, from the age of 18 to 25, learning from his Canadian mentors, Sugar Bear and Therman Bear. He pays homage to them in his dancing, and someday hopes to pass their insights on to others.

In the meantime, at the powwows he attends, he offers dream catchers, sculptures, and jewelry, much of which he makes himself.

Creating native arts requires intimate knowledge of Indian culture, as does dancing and drumming. All of it, he explained, is imbued with the same spirituality that empowers powwows like the Gathering of the Eagles.

"I learned to make regalia young," he said. He weaves aromatic sweet grass into his wares

For Lillian Wiser of Raco, Mr. Bouschor's aunt, creating blueberry baskets from birch bark serves larger purposes. It perpetuates tradition and helps her both financially and spiritually.

Abraham Bouschor of Sault Ste. Marie displays a variety of his wares at the 16th annual Gathering of the Eagles Powwow Saturday, August 16. "It's Indian culture to make these, and it helps keep our culture alive," she said.

Sitting beside her elaborate display of baskets, she pointed out that the tops peel back in the shape of a blueberry, an elegant design that takes skill and hard work to produce.

After 22 years as a factory worker in East Jordan, she returned to her cabin in Raco, immersed herself in the crafts of her people, and emerged with the expertly produced baskets that she now displays at powwows.

"It keeps my life going," she said.

A craftsperson, teacher, and elder, Ms. Wiser hopes more people in the Upper Peninsula get involved in Native American traditions.

She seeks to teach her skills to others, and the Gathering of the Eagles provides a good place to generate interest, she said. Students are hard to keep, however. Her crafts are as difficult to make as they are attractive. Creating her wares requires strong hands, precise designs, and a knowledge of the trees from which she derives materials.

Although her blueberry and quill boxes are sought out at gatherings, "You don't see many of these fancy boxes anymore," she added.

Nearby, her son, Russell Wiser, Jr., stitched together parts for new boxes as the powwow continued. In helping his mother, he, too, has become an expert, with 10 years of experience.

Around the arena circle, Rebecca Parish from Manitoulin Island, Ontario, said the best aspect of the Hessel powwow for her is that it remains traditional.

"It is a good feeling," she said. "It is a chance to pray, visit with friends, in an atmosphere where no one is trying to be the best."

A traveler to traditional and competitive powwows, she said competition powwows have their own specialized nature and value. Participants at competitions tend to meet a wider variety of people, many of whom travel far for the chance to get involved, she said.

Powwows have a variety of purposes, said Joe Parish, her husband. They allow artists to see the creations of their peers and to learn about the artistic direction others are taking.

Mr. Parish described a special project he created in 1999, a 30- foot-long sculpture of a thunder pipe, which resides on Manitoulin Island. Revamped and improved in 2002, the project drew attention to the island, pleasing people there, he said.

Stories filled the air throughout the Gathering of the Eagles, told by the families who came to feast, dance, and drum, as smoke rose from the Fire Lodge, where fires burned from Thursday, August 14, through Sunday, August 17. For many, the gathering offered a rare chance for dispersed family members to see each other, said Patricia Shackleton of Haslett.

"It is a homecoming," she said.