MADISON, Wis. — People from Wisconsin’s 11 tribal nations connected and celebrated at Madison College Saturday.

Booths were set up where vendors could sell their art, anything from jewelry to clothes to dreamcatchers. 

Ho-Chunk elder Dee Maisells drove three hours to get there. 

“When I come here, I really feel good. The people treat me really well here,” she said. 

She’s been coming to pow wows like this one for more than 60 years. 

“When it’s here, it’s pow wow time,” she said. “You see all your friends, one I haven’t seen for a good 20 years… That brings my life back.” 

She used to attend the event selling items she made. Now, she’s turned over that legacy to her daughters. 

“I made just about everything. I took lessons, even from the Oneidas,” Maisells said. “When I first started, I was 21 years old… I started with $69. But look, I’m proud of myself, patting myself on the back. Because I made it.” 

Now, she’s earned the right to sit back and relax a little more. 

“Since they were little, I'd always be making stuff. Just even teaching myself,” said Maisells. “When I told [my daughter] I was gonna retire, she said, ‘Who's taking over?’ And I said 'You!”'

She now sees more diversity in the attendees.

“It used to be all Ho-Chunk, and not just Ho-Chunk but all Indians,” she said. 

More than anything, the pow wow is a chance for Native people to connect and celebrate together. 

“It makes me feel good, like we’re united,” she said. “A united kingdom.” 

Later in the day, there were special ceremonies and dancing.