Leaureaux performs a Butch & Tone song during Gathering of Nations Powwow. (photo courtesy of Tonia Leareaux)

Saginaw Chippewa Academy Kindergartener Angelo Leaureaux recently attended North America’s largest powwow, the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, N.M., where he participated in the hand drum contest.

The crowd of approximately 15,000 spectators did not deter the little guy, who was eager and adamant that he was going to enter the contest.

The interesting part was that the song he chose was a song by well-known hand drummers Butch & Tone. Mind you, Butch & Tone were both at the event, and Tone actually was a contestant in the hand drum contest as well.

Regardless, Angelo had no qualms about singing their song despite their presence, so there was no point in trying to convince him otherwise (have to learn somehow, right?)

The best part was that the whole powwow was live streaming, so Angelo’s grandma was able to view his performance from home! What an incredible experience for 6-year-old Leaureaux, who will have fond memories of performing in front of the crowd for years to come.

Way to go, Angelo! Chi-miigwetch to Margaret Flamand, Sasiwaans Immersion School teacher, who discovered Angelo had a love for the drum when he was in her class as a two-year-old student.