The pow wow drew Ojibwe from all over the Upper Midwest and was an impressive sight. The dazzling colors of the clothes; the driving, pulsing rhythm of the drums; and the hypnotic melodies of the songs were spellbinding. The pow wow grounds were along the lake itself and took place as a sunset painted the sky with vibrant blues, purples, pinks, and oranges. There were also vendors cooking traditional meals and selling crafts made by Ojibwe artisans.
If you ever find yourself in the summertime Mecca of the Minocqua area, be sure to visit Lac du Flambeau and experience the pow wow for yourself. Wisconsin's first people are a rich and vibrant part of the cultural fabric of our state.