Featuring authentic Native American dancing to the beats of several drum groups, historical reenactments from the French fur trading days, and numerous vendors selling an array of traditional wares and food, the fourth-annual Rendezvous at the Straits Powwow is slated for Saturday, August 28, and Sunday, August 29, at the Father Marquette National Memorial in St. Ignace. Admission for the event is $3 for adults, $2 for elders and students, and free for children 12 and younger. Gates open at 10 a.m. each day. Grand entrances are scheduled for 1 p.m. on both days.

The powwow is a celebration of more than 350 years of Native American heritage in the Straits area that can be traced to the present day, said coordinator Darryl Brown, who pointed out that, while Native Americans today are members of separate communities, they still practice the same traditions and spiritual beliefs.

“It may not always be visible to the community as a whole, so when we have this gathering we are able to reflect and show the public the beauty and spirituality of our culture. This is [not only] a way for us to celebrate, but also to have our little ones join in and witness, through participation, the ways that we have done it for thousands of years,” he said.

As a rendezvous, the event hearkens to the mid-1600s, when the French fur traders, Jesuit missionaries, and British all merged with the established Native American culture in the Straits area. Along with the powwow, the event will feature several historical reenactments of the French fur trading days from historians Tom and Cindy Snider, including demonstrations of lodging sites, birch bark and dugout canoes, snowshoes and toboggans, cooking, tomahawk throws, and bow shoots.

“It's a complement to how we got along 350 years ago,” Mr. Brown said of the French demonstrations at the powwow. “Today we can remember that and share that history for the benefit of the community. Most Indian people have French and Indian heritage, so it's a recognition of our history that we all share.”

Native American drum groups playing at the powwow include the Bahweting Drum from Sault Ste. Marie, which will be the host drum, Painted Rock Drum from Detroit, and Strong Heart Drum from Petoskey, and the Ponca Tribe Drum from Oklahoma, which will be attending for the first time.

Also open to the public will be a blessing of the grounds ceremony, which will include the lighting of a sacred fire, Friday at 1 p.m.

The traditional Native American dancing at the event is not only for Native Americans, Mr. Brown said, explaining that the dances can be a fun learning experience for newcomers. The public will have the opportunity to join the fun during intertribal dancing sessions.

Dancing plays an important role in Native American culture, he said, explaining that each clan has a unique dance illustrating the movements of various animals. More than 100 dancers took part in last year's powwow.

“Each individual dancer has his own style,” he said. “You'll see head movements that remind you of birds, wolves, and bears. We really enjoy watching the individual steps and how dancers move to the drum.”

Sometimes the public doesn't understand the significance of the drumming and chanting, he said, explaining that they have their roots in Native American spirituality.

“We say we pray with our feet because we dance on top of our mother earth,” he said. “We let the heartbeat of the drum carry those prayers from our feat to the Creator, and the sound goes up to the heavens.”

Those who haven't experienced an authentic powwow are encouraged to attend, Mr. Brown said, explaining that it provides a true depiction of what powwows were like in the 17th century, and a living culture that continues today.

“We're not reenacting, we're real Indians, so that's about as authentic as you can get,” he said. “With our songs, dance, and stories that we share, this is special. We are a living culture, and that's what's so important.”

Approximately 30 vendors will have numerous Native goods on sale, including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, music, and books. Native food such as whitefish, corn soup, and blackberry tea will be also available, as well as hotdogs, hamburgers and soft drinks.

Rendezvous at the Straits is sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Michilimackinac Historical Society, and the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau, and Special Events Committee. The powwow grounds are designated alcohol and drug free.