The 30th Annual Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Maawanji’iding was held uly 25-27, 2008, at the Ojibwa Powwow Campgrounds in Baraga, Michigan. This year’s theme was “Honor Our Public Service Providers.” With 403 registered dancers and 12 registered drums, participants and spectators enjoyed a weekend of beautiful weather, song and dancers. Tribal President, Warren “Chris” Swartz Jr., gave the welcome following Friday evening’s grand entry. The Powwow committee honored the following six elders this year, Elizabeth Galer, James “Jay” Loonsfoot, Charles “Chuck” Loonsfoot, Sr., Violet Friisvall,
Fifteen-year-old Tashina Emery-Kauppila was crowned Friday evening, July 25th, as Keweenaw Bay’s Royalty for the 2008 term. Tashina is the daughter of Jeanne and Dave Kauppila of Baraga. Tashina was one of five candidates eligible for this year’s crown.

Warren “Jerry” Swartz, Sr. and Loretta Hugo. Buffalo Horse, Minnesota Ojibwa, honored the community as host drum along with Four Thunders, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa, as co-host drum. Other community honors were: Jim St. Arnold (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) as Head Veteran Dancer, Lester Drift Memorial Head Male Dancer (Rodney Loonsfoot-Friday evening grand entry, Alden Connor Sr.-Saturday afternoon grand entry, Donald Chosa Jr.-Saturday
evening grand entry, Donald Chosa III-Sunday grand entry), Rebecca Genschow (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) as Head Female Dancer, Leon Chosa (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) as Head Male Youth Dancer (with LeRoy Gauthier as a fill-in at Friday evening grand entry), Vanessa Beaver (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) as Head Female Youth Dancer. Ted Holappa (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) and Richard “Waubano” Awonohopay (Menominee) served as emcees, Stanley Spruce (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) as Arena Director, Robert Rajacic (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) as Assistant Arena Director. George Gauthier (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) served as Specials Director, and Paul Halverson (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) as Head Firekeeper. Teachers were JoAnn Racette (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) for Arts & Crafts and Paul Halverson (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa) for storytelling. Ten-year-old Tom Berentsen of Manistee, Michigan, won the junior fry bread championship; and Tom Marshall of White Hall, Michigan won the adult division fry bread championship. Two-step championship winners
for the youth division were Megan Tucker and Raistlin Awonohopay, and in the adult division, the “Whiteman” couple reigned as the champions.