The 2015 Grand Portage Royalty (L-R) Senior Brave Christopher LeGarde, Junior Princess Alexis Denny, Junior Brave Hunter Childs, and Senior Princess Samantha Scalise.
Just before the afternoon Grand Entry at the Grand Portage Rendezvous Days Traditional Pow-Wow on Saturday, August 8—during a blessing by Calvin Ottertail—the fog that had hung over the Pow- Wow grounds rolled away. As dancers entered the circle to the sound of the host drum Stone Bridge Singers, the skies cleared.
The hand fans that had been given out by Grand Portage Health Services in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Rendezvous Days Run-Walk were put to good use as the audience sat in the sun and watched the 370 dancers fill the arena.
Arena Director Brandon Deschampe-Morrison oversaw the Grand Entry and Pow-Wow Emcee Jim Misquart introduced the 16 drum groups in attendance.
Grand Portage Royalty named
After much dancing, on Saturday afternoon, Grand Portage youths were invited to come forward to take part in the Grand Portage Princess and Brave Contest.
There was only one dancer for Tiny Tot Princess, Zoomingwenid LeGarde who shyly danced with the older competitors.
Left: Tiny Tot Princess Zhoomingwenid LeGarde with a beautiful bouquet and a beautiful smile. Middle: Alexis Denny, in vibrant colors, concentrates on her dancing. Right: A dignified Samantha Scalise dances to host drum Stone Bridge Singers.
Dancing in the Junior Princess group was Alexis Denny, who received the Junior Princess title for 2015.
The Senior Princess candidates danced beautifully, fluttering their beribboned shawls, obviously enjoying the chance to dance. Contestants were returning Senior Princess Allaura LeGarde and Samantha Scalise. Samantha was crowned the 2015 Senior Princess.
There were no contestants for the Tiny Tot Brave, but in the Junior Brave contest, Tristan Olson and Hunter Childs danced. Hunter was selected to serve as the Grand Portage Junior Brave for 2015.
Senior Brave Christopher LeGarde danced alone also, but showed his style and will represent Grand Portage in 2015.
The judges had a difficult time choosing this year’s Grand Portage Royalty. All of the young people who danced in the Princess and Brave Contest did a wonderful job.
After this year’s Royalty was announced, family members joined them for an Honor Dance. Soon the Pow-Wow stands were nearly empty as the community joined the dance, celebrating in the sunshine.
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