Milwaukee Welcomes Back Sobriety Pow Wow
This New Year's Eve marks the return of a cherished tradition in Milwaukee - the sobriety pow wow, reappearing after more than five years. The event provides a welcoming, alcohol-free environment open to everyone, particularly valuable for individuals navigating recovery from alcohol addiction who seek to avoid holiday drinking pressures.
Addressing Historical Challenges
Alcohol has caused significant harm to Indigenous communities across the Americas since its introduction by colonizers. According to the Indian Health Service, Indigenous populations continue to experience disproportionately high rates of alcohol and substance use disorders compared to other groups in the United States.
For decades, the sobriety pow wow served as an important gathering for Milwaukee County's Indigenous community, estimated to include up to 20,000 people.
"Every year you knew you were going to the New Year's Eve Pow Wow," said Deanna Porter, president of the Milwaukee Intertribal Circle. "It's what we had growing up."
Reviving Community Traditions
The Milwaukee Intertribal Circle was established in summer 2024 by Native individuals who grew up in Milwaukee during the 1990s and remembered the community events their elders participated in. Their goal is to revive such gatherings and strengthen community bonds.
The last sobriety pow wow occurred in 2019, and Porter along with other organizers have worked to restore this tradition.
"It was how we would bring in the new year in a good way with community and culture," said Lana Schocko, who will serve as head female dancer at this year's event, wearing her jingle dress and traditional regalia.
"I feel like it's a safe space for our community."
Cultural Healing and Support
Brian Jackson will emcee the event. A Milwaukee native and member of the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Nation, Jackson currently leads the Family Circles program on his reservation, which mentors families in practicing traditional culture as an approach to reducing alcohol and substance abuse.
Advocates suggest many challenges in Indigenous communities, including substance abuse issues, originate from cultural disconnection. Sobriety pow wows represent a movement toward healing.
Tena Quackenbush, a nurse and Ho-Chunk Nation member with over ten years of sobriety, explained that sobriety pow wows have supported her commitment to the "Red Road" - a term describing a spiritual healing journey inspired by Indigenous teachings.
"I find it really encouraging for my long-term recovery to be around others, especially our Native people, who all share the same goal – to stay sober and clean," she said. "I find great inspiration in seeing others who have started their journey on the Red Road before me."
Event Details
Beyond supporting those maintaining sobriety, Porter noted the event will include activities for all ages, from children to elders. Non-Native community members are also welcome to attend.
The gathering will take place at the Tthigwe Gymnasium, 3232 W. Kilbourn Ave., beginning at 5 p.m. with a feast. A grand entry follows at 7 p.m., featuring dancing, activities, and games continuing until 1 a.m.
