United Tribes powwow in ND honors tribal WWI vets

BISMARCK — The United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) honored World War I veterans at its powwow in Bismarck, North Dakota, on 9-10 September. The Powwow is one of the largest Native American powwows in the nation, featuring hundreds of drummers and dancers from tribes all around the world.

From left, Albert Little Owl, Dan Chase and Jack Nagel were citizens of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation who served in World War I. Photo courtesy United Tribes Technical CollegeVeterans from the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, the Spirit Lake Nation, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians served in the United States military long before most Native people were granted U.S. citizenship. Their sacrifices were recognized at the 48th annual UTTC International Powwow, which took place at  the college's campus in Bismarck.

During a special honor song on Sunday, September 10, the names of more than 350 tribal citizens who served in the World War I era were announced. Their families and descendants took part in the ceremony, along with other veterans.

The commoration comes on the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entering World War I in 1917. The representatives of the North Dakota WWI Centennial Committee and the U.S. WWI Centennial Commission participated in the powwow.

Commissioner Terry Hamby addressed the audience with a special message of support for the occasion. Susan Mennenga, from WW1CC's founding sponsor, the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, also offered her thanks for the remembrance of the veterans of World War I.

The United Tribes Technical College has a strong connection to the military. The campus is located at the site of the former Fort Lincoln, which was used during World War I and during World War II, when it served as an internment camp.

Commissioner Terry Hamby (center) of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission addresses the powwow attendees.

This gentleman wore his father's WW1 uniform to the powwow.