District 1 Gathering: Food, Fire & Community in Grand Rapids, MI
Saturday, October 10, 2026
12:00–5:00 p.m. | Blandford Nature Center
1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Saturday, October 10, 2026
5:30–9:00 p.m. | Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
I’m excited to finally share more details about our upcoming Citizen Potawatomi Nation District 1 Gathering in Grand Rapids, MI!
We’ll spend the afternoon together at Blandford Nature Center from noon to 5:00 p.m. This gathering is intended to be informal and community-focused — an opportunity to meet other CPN citizens and families, reconnect with old friends, make new connections, hear a few brief updates from the Nation, and simply spend some time together.
One of the highlights of the afternoon will be a traditional meal prepared by Traditional Food Educator and Chef Sam Anglin, a citizen of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
We’ll also have a unique opportunity that afternoon to spend time with our relatives from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi during their Kë Bodwémen (Fire Keepers Workshop) taking place at Blandford. Their ceremonial fire will remain open throughout the workshop, giving Neshnabék community members an opportunity to visit, observe, ask questions, learn about traditional firekeeping responsibilities, and spend time together around the fire.
Then, at approximately 5:00 p.m., we’ll head downtown to the Grand Rapids Public Museum for the grand opening of the newly redesigned Anishinaabek: The Original People of This Place exhibit and its opening PowWow.
The exhibit was developed collaboratively with Anishinaabe people and communities throughout Michigan and tells the story of Anishinaabek people through the theme “We Are Still Here.” It includes contemporary artwork, stories, interactive experiences, connections to the Grand River, and other elements highlighting the past, present, and future of Anishinaabe communities. Several CPN citizens also contributed beadwork that will become part of the redesigned exhibit.
Doors at the Museum open at 5:30 p.m., with the PowWow from 6:00–9:00 p.m. The Museum’s grand opening event is free and open to the public, although GRPM is requesting advance RSVPs for capacity planning.
Learn more about the new Anishinaabek exhibit
Grand Opening PowWow details (RSVP Below, not on this link)
A note about space and accessibility: Capacity at Blandford Nature Center is limited, and depending on attendance our gathering may use both floors of the building. The main-floor gathering space is accessible and can accommodate approximately 30–35 people; we will prioritize that space for elders and anyone with mobility or accessibility needs. Additional seating is available upstairs, which is reached by a relatively steep and narrow staircase. If you have an accessibility need, please let us know when you RSVP so we can make sure the main-floor space is available for you.
I’m really looking forward to this one. Rather than spending the whole afternoon in a meeting room, we’ll have a chance to eat together, visit, learn, spend time with our Potawatomi relatives, and then celebrate a major new Anishinaabe exhibit together.