Mini Pow-Wow and Indian Art Exhibition
Join us for the Roseau Fall Fest Mini Pow- Wow and Art Exhibition on October 5, a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage! Set along the picturesque Roseau River Banks on the North Side of the Roseau City Center, the festivities begin at noon with a historical overview by keynote speaker Susan Ninham. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the first settlers of the region through captivating drumming and dance performances from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Experience hands-on art lessons from talented Native American artists, all free to participate. It’s a day to honor and celebrate our cultural legacy.
Event Details:
Mini Pow-Wow and Drumming by Smokey Hills Drummers
Join in the Mini Pow-Wow | All Native Dancers and Drummers Welcome!
Experience the rich traditions of American Indian culture at Roseau’s Fall Festival with a captivating Mini Pow Wow. Tribal members from all nations are invited to share their vibrant heritage through a native dance exhibition and regalia showcase. Dancers and musicians will explain the significance of their dance styles and intricate regalia, followed by performances of traditional songs. This event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and honor indigenous traditions. The general public is also welcome to join in a celebratory dance, fostering unity and appreciation of the Native community’s cultural expressions. The invitation is open for all nations to gather and participate.
The Smokey Hills Drummers
The Smokey Hills Drummers, representing the White Earth Nation of Indians, play a crucial role in preserving and promoting their Native heritage. Through their drumming, they serve as students of their elders, teachers and role models for the younger generation, and keepers of traditions such as music, dance, and spiritual rituals. They also act as parents or future parents, and as ambassadors to non-Natives, challenging stereotypes and fostering cultural understanding by presenting a positive image of Native people and sharing their worldview with others.Come witness their drumming and take part in this celebration of honoring and bringing awareness to their culture.Â
Susan Ninham - Keynote Speaker | Beadwork Artist
Susan Ninham, an educator and advocate for Native Americans nationwide, will kick off the event at noon with a presentation on the culture and heritage of the region’s First Nation tribes. She will share her culture with you, and together, we will celebrate and learn about the Indian tribes of our region.
Following her presentation, please join Susan for an art exhibition and mini-workshop on Indian beadwork. Her hand-crafted traditional Indian beadwork will be on display. The free event offers hands-on classes at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 PM, where you can learn and try your hand at beadworking. No prior experience is needed, and all materials will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the art of traditional beadwork in a welcoming environment. The event will be held in the East Room of the City Center, and everyone is welcome!
Dr. Dan Ninham - Indigenous Games
Meet Dr. Dan Ninham or Coach Dan at our event. Dan is a retired physical education instructor with extensive knowledge of Indigenous games. Coach Dan will lead Indigenous games on the City Center lawn, offering the community a chance to participate in mini-workshops and learn about traditional tribal games. His presence provides a unique opportunity to experience and celebrate Native culture firsthand. Join Dan to explore the history and meaning behind these games, connect with the traditions, and enjoy an engaging, educational experience for all ages.
Indian Art Exhibition and Mini Workshops
Artist Brian K.Dow
Brian K. Dow, a Native American artist from Ponemah on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, reflects his Ojibwe heritage in his work. Now based in Bemidji, MN, Dow’s art has gained recognition across Minnesota and beyond, with pieces displayed in galleries, medical centers, tribal colleges, and community spaces. His paintings often honor Indigenous values and stories, like his celebrated “7th Generation” piece, symbolizing hope and leadership among future generations. Dow’s journey from a casino custodian to an acclaimed artist is deeply connected to his cultural roots and spiritual purpose, creating art that inspires unity and harmony.
Brian will have his work on display and for sale, including wall decor and wearable art. In his free mini-workshops, you can also take an original piece of Art he designed for this event and add your own colors and personal flare. Art is an amazing way to connect with people and their culture. Stop by and meet Brian.Â
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The History of Ross Indian Village, Dieter Township, Minnesota 1887 – Before Roseau Incorporated
Native settlers were known to live in the area along the Roseau River long before the French settlers discovered the region. A unique Indian village existed from 1887 until the early 1900s under chiefs Cobenais and Mickinock, who maintained several camps along the Roseau River in northern Minnesota. The main village was located on the shores of Roseau Lake, which was drained for agriculture in the early 20th century.
Mickinock was famous for quelling a settler panic during the Ghost Dance phenomenon. Local white settlers heard a rumor that there would be an Indian uprising, and they fled their homes, leaving their livestock. Mickinock, Cobenais, and others fed and watered the livestock of several farms until word could be sent that there was no uprising. This saved the livestock from starvation.
There was also a legend of a windigo that supposedly lived in the muskeg around the lake. One day, it was reported that the windigo could be seen walking near the village, and the next day, Mickinock’s wife died.
This photo, taken in 1887, shows Cobenais (wearing a green blanket around his waist), Mickinock (holding a rifle), their wives, and other relatives. The man standing with the little girl is a Metis named Billy McGillis. He was originally from the Red River settlement but was forced to flee when he was accused of murder. He wound up south of the Medicine Line at Mickinock’s village and stayed, becoming their interpreter as he knew English.
