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Articles
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| Indian Bowl to host summer powwows once again |
By Joe Morey
OJIBWE TIMES
In an effort to boost tourism for the Lac du Flambeau community, Abbey Thompson of Northwoods Niijii has been spearheading the project to bring back summer powwows to Indian Bowl located in downtown Lac du Flambeau.
“The goal of the project is to establish Lac du Flambeau as a major must see tourist destination with our Ojibwe culture as a prime incentive for tourists visiting the area,” Thompson said.
Thompson presented a proposal to the LdF Tribal Council for their approval to seek funds to renovate the Indian Bowl for not only powwows, but concerts and events as well.
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“We got the approval to go on with the project,” Thompson said. She said that the Lake of the Torches Economic Development Corporation will donate $10,000 to begin construction of a fence around the facility. “The total cost of the fence is going to be around $40,000, and the tribal council said they would help and we are also talking about doing some fundraising. We have to put in the fence first.”
In her proposal, Thompson said that, “By constructing an authentic Ojibwe village in the arena, hosting a series of culturally based events and reintroducing summer powwows, these can be utilized as sources of income for the tribe, tribal members, local artists, businesses, etc. The Bowl would be a multi user facility; its potential and the magnitude of impact on tourism would be enormous.”
“Everyone has fond memories of the Bowl; sitting on the cement, mosquitoes, and years ago when so many tourists came that the parked cars extended down Highway 47 and Highway D.” Thompson said. She said that everyone remembers the good ole’ days of the summer powwow series. “There has been nothing but positive support and the community is really behind this project.”
According to the LdF Chamber of Commerce website, “The Lac du Flambeau Indian Bowl powwows are a Northwoods tradition since 1951. In the summers, along the shores of Long Interlaken Lake, the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe gather to celebrate life, to dance and sing, and to laugh and remember. We invite you to join in our celebration, to share our culture and learn of our rich history. Our hope is that as the sun sets you will say, ‘Waswaaganing Indizhaa!’ (I’m going to Lac du Flambeau.)”
Thompson said that she believes that renovating the Indian Bowl will be a positive boost for the Lac du Flambeau community. “My motivation is the people of Flambeau and our heritage-our social and cultural life. I know the shows at the Bowl would not only financially help the business sector, it would encourage the youth to be more constructive. There is a lot more to Lac du Flambeau than the casino.”
The proposal to the tribal council has a 3-year plan with year one (2010) having six powwows and four events, with the Ojibwe Village a focal point to spectators. Powwows would be on Thursday nights, with the first already scheduled for June 24. The special events and art market would be on Tuesdays. The events include concerts such as Bill Miller, Indigenous, Santana, etc. The Lake of the Torches Casino has also scheduled two summer events in the amphitheater.
Year two (2011) would feature more powwows and events in comparison to year one and there would be construction of a permanent stage.
Year three (2012) assuming the Renovation Project is underway (LDF Planning Department) goes according to schedule, building facility will be closed for renovation in 2012. If the Bowl is closed for the summer months for the renovation then using only the concrete seat and “floor” area will be considered.
Thompson said that a community meeting is planned for Friday, May 7, in which financials of the project will be discussed. She said aside from the $40,000 needed for the fence an additional $5,000 will be needed for construction and maintenance of Ojibwe village and approximately $4,000 to $5,000 per event held at the Bowl.
She said there will be aggressive fundraising and grant seeking going on as well as line item funding from the special promotions budget. Also, donors are being sought. “One idea that everyone involved really liked,” she said “is selling shares to the public like they did in the early 1950’s.” Thompson said that in the Year Two plan, more profits will be made from more scheduled events. Also, she pointed out the extra income to local downtown businesses from the boost in tourism.
Abbey is a full time employee at Northwoods Niijii’s Woodland Indian Arts Initiatives and has been donating her time to get the project underway. She is a freelance writer and has years of experience in event organizing/planning. She said Lac du Flambeau native Nicole Larson of the Blue Winds Dance Theater, who also has years of powwow experience and a degree in public relations, will be hired soon in a paid position as project manager. Nick Hockings is the artistic consultant for the project. “And of course, there will soon be a Lake of the Torches Indian Bowl website.” Thompson added.
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Posted on May 11, 2010 13:44pm by admin
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Copyright 2010, LCoTimes.com
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