Powwows

Prairie Island Singers / Drum Group

The Prairie Island Singers Drum Group

Alan Childs II	Winfred Red Cloud
Keveon Kingbird	Edmond Davequaya
Sedrick Baker	Calvin Campbell
Delray Smith	Sherwin Obey
Jurome Powless	Martin Powless
Wendall Powless	Bear Roberts

For more information or to contact the Prairie Island Singers about performances or CDs to purchase, contact:

Alan Childs
Calvin Campbell
Winfred Red Cloud

* * still under construction * *

Singing & Drumming

Generally there are 12 invited drum groups. Each group has it's own name and lead singer. The lead singer chooses the songs for specific style dances and competitions. The songs have been passed down through generations. Some of the drum groups are family with multi-generational members that have been practicing for years together to perfect their skills.

Drums are sacred and have been blessed. They are the heartbeat of the people, the heartbeat of the Nation.

The drum beats heard in these ceremonies are produced by a variety of drums. There are hand drums that are used many times in spiritual ceremonies where a lot of singing and dancing occur. Then there are the drums made out of animals like deer, elk, moose and even buffalo. These drums are often played at tribal council ceremonies and powwows and produce loud, booming drum beats.

Prairie Island also has a drumming / singing group, known as the Prairie Island Singers. The Prairie Island Singers have also recorded their own CD's of traditional Mdewakanton drumming and singing.

CD's are available to purchase.

Volume I - $18

Volume II- $20

Prairie Island Indian Community • 5636 Sturgeon Lake Road • Welch, Minnesota • 55089 • 1-800-554-5473