Ann Alquist

The 55th annual international powwow at the United Tribes Technical College is a time for joy, for competition, for cultural celebration. It is one of the largest outdoor powwows in North America, attracting over ten thousand visitors, dancers and singers. Leading up to the broadcast, the energy was palpable. People arrived early to pitch tents, set up lawn chairs and visited with family and friends.

Dakota Johnson teaches U.S. history and Native American Studies at the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. A student of not only flute playing, but also flute making, Goodhouse questioned elders about when exactly flutes became part of the culture. The classic elder response was 'it was a long time ago'. "Sometimes events happen so long ago that they reach back further than living memory. So when we get that kind of answer, we have to accept it.

Leading up to the June 11 primary, we're celebrating democracy in action from North Dakota history, large and small. North Dakota is the only state without voter registration. It was abolished in 1951.