DUNSEITH – The first International Indigenous Peace Powwow has been scheduled for July 3-6 in Dunseith.

This historic event is expected to bring together dancers, drum groups, families and visitors from across the United States, Canada and other international indigenous communities, according to Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, which is hosting the event. The Chief Little Shell Memorial Powwow will include the grand opening of a new powwow arbor.

The event will honor the legacy of Indigenous people while strengthening culture, intertribal unity and cross-border relationships. It also will provide meaningful opportunities for youth, elders, veterans, artists and cultural practitioners to gather, learn and celebrate, the tribe stated.

“We are pretty excited about this event because it is an opportunity to work together with the state and with the international community to showcase the Native American definition of peace,” said Les Thomas, president of the North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance and tourism consultant for the Turtle Mountain tribe.

The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa is seeking designation of the peace powwow as an official event of the ND250 Commission and U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The powwow will lead into a tribal flag raising and Indigenous Peace Symposium at the International Peace Garden on July 11. The symposium will be preceded on July 10 with a kickoff event at Sky Dancer Casino, featuring speakers and other activities, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.