Jamie Awonohopay, treasurer of the Veterans of the Menominee Nation, will be one of the head dancers at the 25th annual Veterans of the Menominee Nation Pow-wow, Gathering of Warriors, which begins Thursday.
She was born in Antigo and graduated from Menominee Indian High School. She wanted to join the Army, but as valedictorian of her high school class, she received a scholarship for school, so she joined the Army Reserves.
While serving, she was in the Secret Service Uniformed Division, guarding facilities in Washington, D.C. In 2008 she returned home, where is employed at the Community Resource Center in Keshena.
Awonohopay and her son, Kenew, 6, live in Shawano. Both of them dance at pow-wows in Wisconsin and Michigan wearing regalia made by family members.
“It’s healthy and a good native cultural activity,” she said.
They will be among the dancers this weekend at the Gathering of Warriors at the Woodland Bowl in Keshena. The pow-wow begins with a run/walk on Thursday and includes a concert by Rosewater at 8 p.m. Friday at the Menominee Casino Resort. Friday’s events begin with a ceremony at 6 p.m. Saturday is Armed Forces Day, with grand entries at 1 and at 7 p.m. and a veterans snake dance. Ceremonies continue Sunday at noon. Craft and food vendors will be there starting Friday evening.
Q What do you do as a member of the veterans?
A “I’m the treasurer of the Veterans of the Menominee Nation. I keep records and prepare financial reports.”
Q What about the pow-wow?
A “I’m one of the head dancers. They appoint specific dancers to dance and escort the honorees. The honorees this year are the code talkers. On Friday night community members who contributed to the community and have been a positive role model are honored.”
Q How is the money used that is raised at the pow-wow?
A “We contribute to other community events, members and especially veterans. Sometimes families request assistance for medical reasons or travel. Basically it goes back to the community.”
Q What is the NAWW?
A “I am a new member of the Native American Women Warriors. I joined to help enlighten the service of Native American women. It’s a positive way you can serve yourself, family and community. I’m super excited because we can share with other females. It’s an honor to show the community and the younger generation you can travel and see the world and make an impact in your community.”
Q Why do you volunteer your time?
A “The whole time I was gone, one of the groups that supported me was members of the Veterans of the Menominee Nation. They helped me when I came home to visit. It helped just to know that support was there. I’m home now, and it took me a couple of years to get involved.”
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