Gathering of Warriors Powwow Set for Woodland Bowl in Keshena This Spring

The Veterans of the Menominee Nation are organizing the Gathering of Warriors Powwow for May 16 and 17 at Woodland Bowl, the open-air venue on Fairgrounds Road in Keshena that serves as the reservation's central gathering space for major cultural events.

The Gathering of Warriors Powwow is an annual event held on the Menominee Indian Tribe Reservation, and its roots run deep in the community's relationship with its veterans. Tribal veterans from outside the region have attended the powwow for more than a decade and have become regular guests in the weekend's events. This year's edition is billed as honoring previous VMN commanders, with organizers having posted a Save the Date for both days of the two-day event.

Veterans of the Menominee Nation is a veterans service organization open to all veterans who have served in the Armed Forces regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or discharge status. Annually and in conjunction with the Gathering of Warriors Pow Wow, the organization ships care packages to Menominee Nation service members stationed away from the reservation or deployed overseas, including copies of the Menominee Nation News, religious items, wellness items, and locally available treats.

Attendees from out of the region have joined the Veterans of the Menominee Nation for local college and high school graduations the day before the powwow, underscoring how the event anchors a broader weekend of community celebration. Visiting veterans have carried flags all weekend, assisting in posting colors, and have been recognized alongside all veterans throughout the weekend for their service.

Past editions of the powwow have featured MCs Joey Awonohopay and John Teller Jr., with a flag raising ceremony on Saturday morning followed by a feast in the bowl for dancers, singers, elders, visitors, and veterans. Security is provided, and free camping, showers, and firewood have been available at the venue.

The Woodland Bowl is located on Fairgrounds Road in Keshena. The Gathering of Warriors Powwow is one of several traditional powwows that anchor the spring and summer calendar on the Menominee Reservation, joined later in the year by the 57th Annual Menominee Nation Contest Powwow scheduled for August. Organizers can be reached at menomineevets@gmail.com for details on dancer and drum registration, vendor participation, and scheduling as the May dates approach.