Pow Wow Grounds/Shunk Bridges

Four CON/SPAN^® bridge structures from Contech were installed on Ice Circle, adjacent to the Pow Wow Grounds, thus improving the access to the Chi Mukwa Ice Arena and the Niigaanagezick ceremonial building. Replacing temporary bridges, the four new structures were placed on pile supported footings. Funded entirely through the Bureau of Indian Affairs & the Indian Country Federal Highway Department, the four bridges provided two entrances for the ice arena, ceremonial building and Pow Wow Grounds. This dual entrance provides a balanced flow of traffic to & from these facilities while allowing much improved access for emergency vehicles.

The Pow Wow Bridge is the most unique of the four structures with a timber facade which gives it the look of a suspension bridge. According to Tribal Chairman Bernard Bouschor, “This is a great addition to our Pow Wow grounds and will allow for easier access to vendors for our gatherings” The entire project was completed in four months, with installation of the CON/SPAN^® bridges taking only three weeks.