Chief Pontiac Heritage Powwow & Jubilee
Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 11 am - 5 pm
Beaudette Park, 786 Orchard Lake Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341
A Community Celebration
Join families, neighbors, artists, athletes, and community leaders for a meaningful day of remembrance, culture, music, food, sports, and community celebration honoring the legacy of Chief Pontiac while bringing the Pontiac community together.
This inaugural event also marks the founding of the Ottawa Chief Pontiac Heritage Historic Society, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting, preserving, and restoring Pontiac’s Indigenous and local history. A key initiative of this effort is the preservation and future restoration of Central School, one of Pontiac’s oldest remaining historic buildings.
The celebration will activate the park with live music, cultural arts, sports tournaments, youth activities, food vendors, and community engagement while raising awareness and support for preserving Pontiac’s heritage for future generations.
Our Goal
Protect • Preserve • Restore
The Chief Pontiac Heritage Powwow & Jubilee was created with a purpose beyond celebration.
Our goal is to protect, preserve, and restore the history, culture, and community landmarks that define the City of Pontiac.
Restoration & Preservation Funding Plan
Central School – Pontiac, Michigan
Built in 1893, Central School is one of Pontiac’s most recognizable historic landmarks. The structure represents the early
foundation of public education in the city and stands prominently overlooking downtown near Woodward Avenue and Pike Street.
Restoring and preserving the building will require a multi-phase investment focused on structural preservation, historic
restoration, and community reuse.
3M
Purchase & Protection
This phase focuses on preventing further deterioration and securing the building.
4M
Historic Preservation Restoration
This phase restores Roof stabilization and other repair.
15M+
Interior Rehabilitation
This phase restores the building’s original architectural integrity.
2M
Community Activation & Programming
This phase prepares the building for public programming and use.
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Get Involved
How the Community Can Help
The Chief Pontiac Heritage Powwow & Jubilee is one of the first community initiatives designed to bring attention and support to the preservation of Central School.
Community support can include:
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Event participation
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Sponsorships
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Donations
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Historic preservation grants
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Corporate partnerships
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Government preservation funding
