“To see three communities come together in such a way makes my heart sing.”

That was how Lac Du Flambeau tribal member Melissa Doud Jackson described Saturday's gathering in Prescott, a day when more than 300 people came together to celebrate culture, friendship and a relationship more than 25 years in the making.

The celebration brought traditional dancers, drummers and singers from the Lac Du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa and the Prairie Island Band of the Dakota together with Prescott residents and visitors. For those who have been part of Prescott's long relationship with Lac Du Flambeau, the gathering was both a celebration of the past and a reminder of what can happen when communities make an effort to know one another.

“What a remarkable event,” said Paul Rykken, a high school and university teacher from Black River Falls. “It is a wonderful testament to the community of Prescott to see such a wonderful relationship with these two native communities.”

The relationship began more than two decades ago, when Prescott High School students and community members began traveling to the Lac Du Flambeau Indian Reservation to learn about its history, governance and culture.

Those trips have continued for 25 years, giving generations of Prescott students an opportunity to experience something they could not get from a textbook. One of those former students, 2005 Prescott High School alumnus Andy Fortune, traveled from Colorado with family members to attend Saturday's event.

“I am so happy to be here,” Fortune said. “For me, there’s nothing like Lac Du Flambeau.”

Fortune's experience is shared by other former Prescott students. Kieran Lapcinski has made the trip to Lac Du Flambeau four times and already has plans for another visit next summer.

“The relationship this town has with Lac Du Flambeau is very, very unique,” Lapcinski said. “I encourage everyone to make the trip. You will never forget it.”

On Saturday, however, it was Prescott's turn to be the host. The award-winning Lac Du Flambeau Drum Group Tomahawk Circle returned to a community where its members have performed several times. They were joined by Dakota Drum Imnizaska, which has performed throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Dr. Alton “Sonny” Smart, a retired University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point professor and member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa, served as master of ceremonies. Smart introduced the performers and explained the dances throughout the day.

Lac Du Flambeau tribal members Brian Jackson and his wife, Melissa Doud Jackson, performed with their sons Alton and Grason Jackson. Woodland dancers Bob Elm and his children Marci and Dibaso danced. 

The inclusion of the Prairie Island Band was particularly meaningful. Prescott is located on the original homeland of the Dakota, making the gathering an opportunity to recognize two Native communities with connections to the region.

For those attending, the educational component was just as important as the entertainment.

“What a beautiful day it was,” said BIAC committee member Sharon Monroe. “Several people remarked to me how much they enjoyed the day and learning just a bit about native culture.”

Attendees were given the opportunity to dance during “Inter-Tribal” Dances and dozens seized the opportunity. 

“What a great way to learn,” said Prescott alumnus Jessica Hanneman.  “To be given the opportunity to learn in an interactive, immersive way creates memories and it is just a lot of fun.” 

That sense of enjoyment appeared to extend to the performers as well.

“We really enjoy coming to Prescott,” said Tomahawk Circle member Henry Mitchell. “We always receive such great hospitality whenever we make the four-hour trip from home.”

Behind the scenes, a long list of people and organizations made the event possible. Event coordinator Paula Kalinosky said the effort stretched from the Prescott school and city government to volunteers, businesses and current and former students.

“There were so many people that helped make the day possible,” Kalinosky said. “The school, the city, volunteers, local businesses, Linda Schenk of Freedom Park, current and former high school students — they made it all possible.”

The event received grants from the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ and the Prescott Foundation. The City of Prescott, Prescott School District, Ptacek’s IGA, Prescott Daze Committee and numerous individuals also contributed money, time and effort. Prescott teacher Jeff Ryan said that support is a reflection of the community's commitment to maintaining the relationship.

“None of this is possible without the support of the community,” Ryan said. “We are extremely grateful to the Prescott Foundation who has been a wonderful partner over the years supporting programs like this.”

The day ultimately provided a rare opportunity to celebrate something that has been developing slowly and deliberately: familiarity replacing unfamiliarity, friendship replacing distance and education becoming a shared experience. And Jackson believes that is exactly what made the gathering special.

“A community event like this is beautiful,” she said. “To see three communities come together in such a way makes my heart sing. We are so thankful to the community of Prescott.”

Submitted by Prescott School District