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"Photo by Rozanne Cadotte" ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - The beginning of April (5,6) marks the time of the 36th Annual Ann Arbor "Dance for Mother Earth" Pow Wow, a nationally recognized beginning of the pow wow season and an event that consistently strives to build cohesion between Native Americans, the University of Michigan community and people in southeast Michigan. "This event is truly a learning experience for people of all ages and backgrounds, because everyone is encouraged to participate, whether by supporting the vendors, dancers and drums, or coming onto the floor to participate in special dances," says Monita Thompson, Interim-Director of U-M Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. "The Ann Arbor Dance for Mother Earth Powwow is a family event for all to enjoy and learn." The pow wow attracts Native American dancers, singers and drummers from throughout the nation. Dancers ranging in age from toddlers to elders compete in several styles of dance---fancy, traditional, grass and jingle dress---wearing traditional and contemporary regalia. Competing drum groups provide vocal and rhythmic accompaniment to the dancers as they themselves are judged. Cash prizes are presented to winners in all the competitions. A popular inter-tribal dance opportunity occurs throughout the pow wow, as members of the audience are invited to join dancers on the Crisler main floor. A variety of Native American culture is expressed through vendor exhibits of arts, crafts, music, contemporary and traditional foods, and information on social and political issues that currently challenge the local, regional and national Native American community. A commitment to heritage pervades the two-day event. Participants share opening and closing prayers, special giveaways, and a shared dedication to the spiritual aspects of Native American cultures. "The Native American Programming Task Force (NAPTF) is mainly comprised of Native students at the University, who diligently work on pow wow year-round fundraising and spreading the word about pow wow," says Kathleen Kirkland, Major Events and Activities Manager. "The amount of work and pride that goes into this pow wow is immeasurable and we hope that the community sees the reflection of our work in the pow wow this year." The Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow schedule: **April 5: Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; ceremonial grand entries at noon and 7 p.m. Activities continue until 10 p.m.; **April 6: Doors open at 10:30 a.m .; grand entry at noon. Pow Wow closes at 6 p.m. Ticket prices for the family-friendly event are: $10 per day for adults; $5 per day for students ages 13-17 with ID and college students with ID; $5 per day for seniors ages 60 and older, and for children 4-12; children 3 and under are admitted without charge. Daily family passes are available for $25 and weekend passes may be purchased by students for $15 and for adults $18.Group sales (for groups of 12 or more) are sold in advance for children at $2 and adults at $6 per individual. Advance tickets for individuals, family and weekend passes, and group sales are available by calling the Michigan Union Ticket Office, phone: 734-763-8587. Group ticket sales other than family passes are not available at the door. The pow wow has many opportunities for volunteers. Contact the committee by e-mail: powwowvolunteers@Gmail.com. Volunteers receive free admission for the day and a volunteer badge. The Ann Arbor Dance for Mother Earth is hosted by the U-M Native American Programming Task Force, the Native American Student Association and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA), a Division of Student Affairs. For more information call, Kathleen Kirkland, phone: 734-763-9044, the Pow Wow Hotline, phone: 734-647-6999, send e-mail to: powwow_committee@yahoo.com, and visit http://www.umich.edu/~powwow. View and download the University of Michigan Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow Flyer to share with others!