Welcome Pow-wow Promotes Cultural Identity and New Conference Center

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Contact:          Katrina Wychesit, Entertainment and Promotions Coordinator                          1-800-343-7778 Ext. 5888                                                       KWychesit@menomineecasinoresort.com

Welcome Pow-wow Promotes Cultural Identity and New Conference Center

Keshena, Wisconsin – March, 1^th, 2011 – In commemoration of the unveiling of the Menominee Casino Resort Conference Center in Keshena, Wisconsin; a Welcome Pow-wow was held free of charge on Saturday, February 26^th, 2011. Dancers, drummers, singers and spectators united in the remarkable Five Clans Ballroom to showcase the significance of the rich culture and traditions of Wisconsin’s first people.

Jim Reiter, Menominee Casino Resort General Manager, expressed his sincere appreciation towards the success of the celebration. “It is incredibly gratifying to witness the fun and excitement our 1^st Annual Welcome Pow-wow delivered to all of our guests in attendance. Not only are we commemorating our newest addition to the resort; today we honor our veterans and promote the preservation of our language and cultural identity.”

With over 140 registered dancers, 17 registered veterans and 11 drum groups; the state-of-the-art Conference Center was the ideal venue to promote and maintain the strength of cultural preservation. The colorful display of regalia captivated audiences from wall to wall and coast to coast. Indiancountrytv.com assisted by providing live stream video to the world on the internet for those who were unable to attend.

The Head Dancers, Jerome and Rosanne Sanapaw led the way during two distinctive Grand Entry sessions at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm. The highly recognized Host Drum was the Smokeytown Singers of Zoar, Wisconsin. In addition, the following drum groups were in attendance: Badger Singers, Picture Rock, Lake Delton Singers, Bear Heart, Strait Across, Iroquois Nation, Southern Sky, Young Fire Keepers, Chief Hill and Wolf River. The dancers originated from eleven separate nations including: Menominee, Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk, Oneida, Ojibwe, Stockbridge, Sioux, Blackfeet, Dine, Chippewa and Cherokee.

Throughout the course of the one-day celebration, those in attendance enjoyed listening to the high pitched vocals of the singers as they led the audience through two Grand Entries, exhibition songs, intertribals, honor songs and specials.

The Master of Ceremonies, Joey Besaw and Joey Awonohopay entertained the audience throughout the course of the pow-wow with storytelling and comical jokes. Gary Besaw maintained order as he did an exceptional job as the Arena Director.”This powwow was a traditional way to welcome guests and relatives to our convention center. Not only is it a beautiful representation of our Menominee Woodland artistry and environment, it also displayed a critical component of our way of life, our Menominee hospitality. We thank all who attended and honored us by participating,” said Mr. Besaw.  

The food venue satisfied the dynamic group as they lined up to experience the fresh made-to-order Native American cuisine in the Bear room. Each dish was inspired by a wide range of intriguing food items such as Pow-wow Burgers, Indian Tacos, Fry Bread and Cream of Wild Rice Soup. In addition, over 6 local exhibitors showcased jewelry, clothing, purses and Native American crafts. The prices were affordable and their supply was diverse.  

As the pow-wow concluded for the evening, guests expressed their appreciation towards the Menominee Casino Resort for a job well done. “The Welcome Pow-wow at the new conference center, was just that, welcoming! My family and I had a great time. The facility is amazing and the pow-wow was a great way to share it and celebrate its beauty with all. Good job Menominee Casino Resort. You did us PROUD!” said Menomin Hawpetoss on behalf of her and her family.

The Menominee Casino Resort, formerly known as the Menominee Casino-Bingo-Hotel, underwent a significant transformation; both in the physical and brand sense. 13,000 square feet encompasses the Convention Center with a banquet hall large enough to host weddings and functions for up to 600 guests. The banquet hall also has the ability to be configured into separate rooms for smaller events and functions. Also located in the Convention Center are five (5) large breakout rooms that can host meetings from 1-50 people. For small outdoor gatherings, the Convention Center offers a stone terrace near the meetings rooms and our beautifully landscaped courtyard area right next to the pool and the hotel. For more information or to book your event, please contact Rachel Peters at 1-800-343-7778, ext. 5692.

The US Indigenous Games will be held Summer 2011

Formerly known as the North American Indigenous Games, that take place every three years, Milwaukee will be the launch site for the US Indigenous Games on July 10 – 14, 2011.

Games will occur at prominent sports venues in and around the city. Cultural Activities and athlete housing will be located near the city’s downtown area.

Thousands of athletes, primarily young people, will be participating in the competitions, making the U.S. Indigenous Games the largest event to host competitions for young Native youth across Indian Country. The Games also include 500 Competition staff, coaches and officials. Sporting events range from; basketball, baseball, volleyball, and golf to boxing, swimming, lacrosse, and tae kwon do.

Events of the Games include Opening ceremonies to be held on July 10th and Closing ceremonies on July 14th. Opening ceremonies promise to please participants and spectators with ceremonial protocol and pageantry, Native American dance and music, and a parade of athletes. While Closing ceremonies include recognition and awards, a special media presentation and live entertainment.

In addition, to the sporting events, a Cultural Village will be held July 11-14. Cultural activities associated with the Games include artwork, entertainment and spiritual activity among the athletes and attendees.

The 2011 US Indigenous Games will be hosted by the 11 tribes located throughout Wisconsin. Their leadership and support are instrumental to the success of the Games. These sovereign tribes know the importance and value of supporting a healthy life style and choices for Native youth. “Our young people are not only the leaders of the future, they are leaders of today”, said Harold (Gus) Frank, Forest County Potawatomi Chairman and President of the Indigenous Games, USA Inc.

St. Croix Casino Danbury Set to Open

St. Croix Tribe Unveils Its New Upscale Facility

It’s all new. It’s upscale. It will rival any casino in northwestern Wisconsin or northeastern Minnesota. It’s the St. Croix Casino Danbury, the newest casino for the St. Croix Chippewa of Wisconsin.

Actually, it’s not so much a new casino as it is a replacement for an old casino. Since November 1991, the Hole in the Wall Casino has been a gathering place, a place where area folks came to gamble, eat and have a drink or two. It has a loyal customer base, a customer base that was admittedly worried about the new facility. Would they still fit in? Would the upscale nature of the St. Croix Casino Danbury appeal to them?

Their fears were groundless. The hallmark of all of the three St. Croix Casinos is friendly service, and the new St. Croix Casino Danbury continues that tradition. Guests, both old and new, will be greeted with the same friendly service that customers have enjoyed for the past 19 years at the Hole in the Wall.

And its upscale décor and furnishings are sure to attract new guests. “We began receiving requests from tour operators and convention planners early in 2010,” said Mary Kay Merrill, St. Croix Casino director of marketing. “We have a beautiful setting, world-class service, a new casino with all the latest games, a convention center and hotel. Once guests visit our new facility, we’re confident they’ll want to return soon and often.”

The new casino features over 500 slots and 18 table games, including one roulette table, two craps tables and four poker tables. Casino guests can also enjoy an expanded palette of food and beverage options: a family-friendly buffet, a new a la carte restaurant and deli bar and a new lounge offering live entertainment on weekends. A convention center and an attached hotel with 50 rooms and suites and a new indoor pool are also included in the new facility. And non-smokers will be glad to know that the casino offers a designated smoke-free area.

Gaming is easier at the new casino too. The new players club, St. Croix Perks, offers its members a state-of-the-art system. “There will be no waiting in line for promotional offers,” said Mary Kay Merrill, St. Croix Casino Danbury director of marketing. “Your St. Croix Perks card is your ticket to all promotions and offers. Just swipe your card at one of our convenient kiosks, and you’re good to go.”

The new casino opens on July 30 at 10 a.m. The grand opening celebration will take place later in the fall. For more information on St. Croix Casino Danbury, call casino marketing at 1-800-U-BET-U-WIN.