DUNSEITH – The first International Indigenous Peace Powwow will be held Monday, July 6, at the new arbor at the Little Shell powwow grounds in Dunseith.

The powwow precedes a tribal flag raising and Indigenous Peace Symposium at the International Peace Garden on Friday, July 11, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The peace powwow will follow the annual Turtle Mountain Chief Little Shell Memorial Powwow, which starts on Friday, July 3, and runs through Sunday, July 5. The weekend event will celebrate the grand opening of the new powwow arbor.

This historic peace powwow is expected to bring together dancers, drum groups, families and visitors from multiple Indigenous groups across the United States, Canada and other international communities, according to Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, which is hosting the event.

The peace powwow aims to facilitate cultural exchanges and understanding among indigenous communities worldwide. Through various programs and activities, the goal is to preserve and promote indigenous traditions, languages and knowledge.

The powwow begins with a flag raising at 9 a.m., followed by the Grand Entry at 10 a.m. A community feed is scheduled for noon, ahead of the jigging competition at 12:30 p.m. and the dance competitions beginning at 1 p.m.