November 21–22, 2026
Join us for the Bnakwi GisesContest Pow Wow 2026, a weekend of Native American dance, singing, cultural celebration, and competition on November 21 and 22, 2026! This special event will bring dancers, singers, families, and visitors together for a vibrant celebration of Indigenous traditions, featuring multiple dance categories, a singing contest, substantial prize money, and opportunities to experience the beauty and spirit of pow wow culture.
Event Details
Dates: Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22, 2026
Location: Island Resort & Casino
Address: W399 U.S. Highway 2 & 41, Harris, Michigan 49845
Host Community: Hannahville Indian Community
Event Type: Contest Pow Wow featuring dance competitions and a singing contest
Singing Contest – $26,000 in Prize Money
- 1st Place: $10,000
- 2nd Place: $8,000
- 3rd Place: $6,000
- 4th Place: $4,000
- 5th Place: $2,000
Dance Contest Categories & Prize Money
Platinum Ages 65+
Men’s Categories Combined
- 1st Place: $800
- 2nd Place: $600
- 3rd Place: $400
- 4th Place: $200
Women’s Categories Combined
- 1st Place: $800
- 2nd Place: $600
- 3rd Place: $400
- 4th Place: $200
Golden Age – Ages 50–64
- 1st Place: $800
- 2nd Place: $600
- 3rd Place: $400
- 4th Place: $200
Following are combined dance categories for Golden Age:
- Men’s Traditional & Woodland
- Men’s Fancy & Grass
- Women’s Traditional & Woodland
- Women’s Jingle & Fancy
Senior Adults – Ages 35–49
- 1st Place: $800
- 2nd Place: $600
- 3rd Place: $400
- 4th Place: $200
Dance categories include:
- Men’s Traditional
- Men’s Grass
- Men’s Woodland
- Men’s Fancy
- Women’s Traditional
- Women’s Woodland
- Women’s Jingle
- Women’s Fancy
Adults – Ages 18–34
- 1st Place: $800
- 2nd Place: $600
- 3rd Place: $400
- 4th Place: $200
Dance categories include:
- Men’s Traditional
- Men’s Woodland
- Men’s Grass
- Men’s Fancy
- Women’s Traditional
- Women’s Woodland
- Women’s Jingle
- Women’s Fancy
Teens – Ages 13–17
- 1st Place: $400
- 2nd Place: $300
- 3rd Place: $200
- 4th Place: $100
Dance categories include:
- Boy’s Traditional
- Boy’s Woodland
- Boy’s Grass
- Boy’s Fancy
- Girl’s Traditional
- Girl’s Woodland
- Girl’s Jingle
- Girl’s Fancy
Juniors – Ages 6–12
- 1st Place: $200
- 2nd Place: $150
- 3rd Place: $100
- 4th Place: $50
Dance categories include:
- Boy’s Traditional
- Boy’s Woodland
- Boy’s Grass
- Boy’s Fancy
- Girl’s Traditional
- Girl’s Woodland
- Girl’s Jingle
- Girl’s Fancy
Grand Entries
Saturday, November 21
- 1:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Sunday, November 22
- 12:00 PM
Head Staff
- Emcee: Tony Hilliker
- Emcee: Ruben Little Head
- Head Veteran: Ray Cadotte
- Arena Director: Allan Klein
- Head Drum Judge: Wayne Silas Jr.
- Head Male Dance Judge: Golan Thunder Hawk
- Head Female Dance Judge: Michelle Reed
- Head Male Dancer: Kip Hilliker
- Head Female Dancer: Jaida WhiteCloud
- Hometown Co-Host: Gary Boy
- Host Drum: K-Huntie Station
Please check with the organizers for any updates to the head staff lineup.
Location & Directions:
The event is advertised at Island Resort & Casino, located at:
W399 U.S. Highway 2 & 41
Harris, MI 49845
Hotel Reservations:
Call the hotel for a special pow wow room rate through Island Resort & Casino. Use Booking ID: 26329
Contact Information:
Vendor Contact: Justin Meshingwalg
Phone: 906-280-7672
Additional Information: Molly Meshingwalg
Phone: 906-389-1875
Pow Wow Information
Date: November 21, 2026 - November 22, 2026
Location: Island Resort and Casino, W 399 US-2, Harris, MI, 49845
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