A historic tradition is making a comeback in Detroit.

Hundreds of people gathered in Hart Plaza downtown for a powwow celebrating Indigenous People's Day. It marks the first time the event has been held there in 30 years.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Celebrating Indigenous People's Day in Hart Plaza

"I danced when I was (a child) the last time here in this arena 30 years ago. And I'm excited to bring that tradition back. I just got back into dancing and my daughters now dancing," said Erika Watson, who came with her almost 2-year-old daughter.

The event garnered support from tribes across the Midwest.

"It's important to us. It's important for us to salvage what little we have and make sure that our future generations are involved as well," Watson said.

Graham Denton came from Monroe with his mother and son.

"This is our land, so to see this returned to our land is something very special," said Denton, who makes it his mission to teach his son about their culture. "For him to see this even though its not our tribal members, it's important because these are things I cant teach him because theyve been erased from our family.

Jodi Branton, member of Ammjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia, Ontario, set up an education booth for attendees to learn about the Anishinaabe, the indigenous people's of the region.

"You can buy a lot of things from any of these vendors but to get the true perspective of what it's like to be Anishinaabe, to grow up that way and to have the culture... it's important to teach that to show people what they're going to be seeing in here to give the context and the history," Branton said.

The event was organized and hosted by the city of Detroit and led by councilwoman Gabriella Santiago-Romero. They partnered with the North American Indian Association of Detroit, Detroit Indigenous Peoples Alliance, American Indian Health and Family Services and the South Eastern Michigan Indians.

Organizers say it's more than an event but a homecoming to the place called Waawiyatanong. That is the indigenous name for the Detroit area known as "where the water goes around."

"When I see some of the older ones, our elders that are here that were here back then and how much it meant to them, it brings a tear to your eye just to see them all together again. It's a big deal for us," said Brian Moore, the executive director of the North American Indian Association of Detroit.

From food to craft vendors to the people who just came to watch, it's sparking a new chapter in history.

"We're able to carry on this work and that's really meaningful. We're setting good examples for our children and for the coming generations to come," said Rosebud Bear Schneider, an organizer with the Detroit indigenous Peoples Alliance.

Hundreds gathered for mass and veneration of the relics of Saint Thrse of Lisieux at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica on Wednesday for the first time in 26 years.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Visitors attend mass to commemorate St. Therese's relics return to Royal Oak

For many visitors, the return of these sacred relics represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with the Carmelite nun known as the Little Flower, who was canonized as a saint after her death at just 24 years old.

Aylin Samoray remembers the last visit in 1999 vividly.

"In 1999, my mom woke me up at 4 am and said St. Therese's relics are coming. This is a once-in-a-lifetime; we gotta go. So we came to mass, and rose petals fell from the ceiling, and it was beautiful," Samoray said.

Now, 26 years later, Samoray brought her 13-year-old son Gabriel to experience the same spiritual moment. The teenager was deeply moved by the experience and its connection to St. Therese's famous spiritual approach called "The Little Way."

"I wanted to buy a rose because I touched it to her relics and I wanted to be reminded of St. Therese's act of doing little things with great love because when you do little things with great love, it becomes bigger and bigger things, and that's what changes the world," Gabriel Samoray said.

The reliquary containing some of the saint's bones arrived in the U.S. as part of a national tour, with the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak serving as the first stop. The church offers the public the chance to sign up for Mass and veneration over eight days.''

RELATED STORY: Relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux being brought to Royal Oak Relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux being brought to Royal Oak

Maria Frances Ward was among the many who felt called to make the journey.

"I am very excited. When I heard that they were coming to our church, I just felt my heart leap, and I just thought this is wonderful," Ward said.

The visit holds special significance for students at Shrine Catholic Schools, who joined in for mass and veneration as part of their faith education.

"We practice our faith here every day, but actually getting to see the children engage in veneration and getting to pray together, sing together was a really special occasion," said Erika Zwolinski, Shrine Catholic Schools Grade School Assistant Principal and Director of Early Childhood Center.

Reverend John Bettin of National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica emphasized the special connection between the church and the saint.

"Our church is named after her National Shrine of the Little Flower, and so it's a great day, you can sense the joy," Bettin said.

The relics have drawn visitors from across the region, including Katie Toney, who traveled from Norwalk, Ohio.

"I'm pretty excited, and it's not even... the relics being here is amazing, but you can feel just walking around this place, there's just so much love in every stone, in every flower," Toney said.

For some visitors, the timing felt perfectly aligned. Deborah and Dan Bizon got married in Grand Rapids on Wednesday morning and came to Royal Oak by afternoon to visit the relics.

"We got engaged September 26, and we made the decision after realizing it was St. Therese's 100th anniversary of her canonization, and miraculously, his phone showed up with this event in Royal Oak," Deborah Bizon said.

The last day to visit the relics is October 8.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Pumpkins, cobwebs and skeletons: a new survey finds that more shoppers plan to buy for halloween ahead of schedule more this year than ever before.

Watch Christiana's report in the video player below New survey says more shoppers planning to buy ahead for Halloween this year than ever before

"I have stuff up at the end of August in here," said Theresa Schierloh, the Owner of Dancing Eye Gallery.

The Bob Ross Skeleton is out, and Halloween shopping is well underway.

"I have quite a few Halloween things but there's always something special, so you always have to look," said Coline Coleman.

Theresa, known around here as the Queen of Halloween, has been selling spooky decor for weeks.

"Why not? It just gives you a longer season to sell. Once the kids go back to college and back to school, that's when I think it's fair game, you better have Halloween out. That's my opinion in retail, and I've done this a long time," Theresa said.

She welcomes all the early-season spenders.

"I have customers that come from Miami, D.C., New Jersey," Theresa said. "People do collect Halloween items especially handmade ones and we have a lot of that."

According to the National Retail Federation's latest survey, spending this Halloween is expected to reach a record $13.1 billion, with 49 percent of shoppers saying they would start before October.

"You do a lot of effort, you use a lot of effort in putting your display up, so you want to have it up for a time," Theresa said.

"For me, it's October 1st," Coline said.

"Yes, they're all up," said Eileen Mallon, who doesn't think it's too early for Halloween. "I love it."

The skeletons are up across downtown, and in Thomas Newell's neighbor's front yard.

"Every house, it's still a bit early, but most houses will go full decorations, full everything," Thomas said.

He said each year, it's like a scene out of Halloweentown. Not just for a day, but for a whole season.

"End of September, early October is when you start just seeing everyone putting the full effort in with all the decorations and stuff," Thomas said.

It's a holiday no longer creeping up, but heavily planned and taking center stage.

Where Your Voice Matters

Local businesses are rallying to support the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township after a violent attack on Sunday, with donations and acts of kindness pouring in from across the community.

Watch Chrisitana Ford's video report: Grand Blanc businesses unite to support church community after deadly attack

Five people, including a suspect, were killed after a shooting and fire at the church. Eight other people were injured after being shot. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation.

Great Harvest Bread Co. in Grand Blanc has emerged as a central hub for community support, donating 10% of sales through Sunday to the affected church. Owner Scott Sassack said the response has been immediate and overwhelming.

"I just put this out a half hour ago and there's already $100 in here," Sassack said about their additional donation bin.

VIDEO: Officials provide update on Monday following deadly church attack Officials provide Monday update after deadly Grand Blanc Twp church attack

The bakery, which has served as a community gathering place for 25 years, is working to keep up with demand as residents purchase baked goods to show their support. Sassack said the decision to help was automatic when tragedy struck their neighbors.

"It's just something that you have to formulate on the snap of a dime. We're collecting donations at the store for anybody that wants to get involved because the first thing I get is people reaching out to me saying how can I help. They want to drop off money, they want to drop off food or whatever," said Sassack, who is on the board at the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce.

The Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce reports that calls have been flooding in from businesses across the area wanting to contribute. President Leigh LaForest said the community response has been remarkable.

"There was absolutely no question, no hesitation. People jumped right into action and to watch that unfold in less than 24 hours is nothing less than a miracle," LaForest said.

Other local businesses have joined the effort, including Parlor Donuts and Cupcakes and Kisses, which is donating a portion of proceeds to support the church community.

"It's just something we feel not obligated to do but like we want to, we want to help," said Brooke Boggs, who works at Cupcakes and Kisses.

Grand Blanc Florist is offering free roses to community members. Store Manager Libbie Conley says they typically have a name of the day and give a free flower to people with that name. It's now open to anyone in need.

"Just some kind of good deed that we could do somehow to help people feel better today because I think everybody felt really bad with the circumstances, Conley said.

Chopper 7 video shows aftermath of deadly Grand Blanc Township church attack Chopper 7 video shows aftermath of deadly Grand Blanc Township church attack

The gesture has provided solace to residents like Sophia Lambert, who wasn't at church during the attack but is mourning alongside her family members who were present.

"It is hopefully going to help with the people that we know that were affected that we are going to see today," Lambert said. "It is nice to know that we might've been a small congregation, but a lot of people in the area care about what happened and it's very beneficial."

The Chamber of Commerce is working to establish a resource hub for people who want to continue helping the community during the recovery process.

"Moving forward, this is a way that we can be hopeful to a brighter future. I think this community will be even stronger now and it just shows that there is still good in the world," LaForest said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Parents say they're frustrated after paying hundreds to support their children's cheerleading teams, only to question where that money actually went when promised uniforms and equipment never arrived.

Dee Foster says she has little to show for the more than $1,000 she spent on registration and gear packages so her two daughters could participate in youth cheerleading.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Youth cheer season suddenly cancelled amid questions over misappropriated funds

"They're missing their actual bag. They are missing their uniforms that they have not gotten from the beginning of the season. They are missing their warm-ups. They are missing more bows, they don't have anything to cheer," Foster said.

Foster is one of many parents from two teams: the Michigan Tigers and the Detroit Spartans that merged this year as the Tigers Spartans United. Now, they're trying to figure out where the money they paid is being used.

Florence Smith, another parent affected by the situation, expressed her frustration with the financial loss after paying for her two daughters.

"Livid is a understatement because I don't have money to waste either and I have multiple kids on the team," Smith said. "I'm steady putting out money. But now, my girls are just out of luck and I have a 7-year-old who doesn't understand any of this, so imagine how it is to explain this to her. But really, what am I explaining? Because nothing is being explained," Smith said.

Foster says they have been reaching out to many different people to try to get their concerns addressed.

"Where are the items? Where's the money? Where did the money go? I need answers. I think all of the parents from the Spartans, Tigers, it don't matter, we need answers" Foster said.

Isaiah McQueen, president of the Michigan Tigers, admits there was too much confusion over financial responsibilities when both teams tried to come together.

"It was a lot of 'oh we paid her, oh we paid her, oh we paid her,'" McQueen said.

Now the two teams are trying to come together to get answers. McQueen says he's submitted all the documents and information in his possession and has nothing to hide.

"I'm doing the best I can to get these answers. And I will get the answers. We will get the answers. I'm working with everybody. I'm communicating with the necessary people involved. We're going to get the answers; it's just we need time," McQueen said.

The Detroit Police Athletic League, known as Detroit PAL, called for a meeting Tuesday night and is investigating the situation.

"We made the request before the parents and the coaches last night to say hey, would you guys provide whatever payments have been made and what has been bought what has not been bought," said David Greenwood, PAL director of community engagement.

Detroit PAL allows individual nonprofit teams to apply to play in their league and does not manage their teams or handle any of their teams' money. The organization says it always advises against merging for this very reason.

"For all parents, regardless if its little league, football, baseball, anything, make sure you understand who you're giving your money to and make sure you understand what their refund policies are," Greenwood said.

Detroit PAL does not require teams provide financial information as each are individual nonprofits. However, they are advising the team on potential solutions for better financial management.

Greenwood says the teams informed parents they would share more information with Detroit PAL by Friday and are looking at issuing refunds.

While the football team continues playing for the season, the cheerleaders season is officially canceled. It's too late for the girls to join another youth team.

"I really wish we could have it to where the girls could still in some way perform because it's not fair to these kids," Smith said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A brand-new pocket forest is taking root right next to Michigan Central, bringing a burst of green, pollinators, and a peaceful space to connect with nature to Detroit's bustling Corktown neighborhood.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Michigan's first SUGi pocket forest takes root in Corktown

The unique project at Kintsugi Village features 1,100 native trees that will grow into a thriving forest in just a few years, creating Michigan's first SUGi pocket forest designed to make urban areas more green by planting a mini forest.

"In Corktown, you are seeing a lot of major development taking place and taking place fast," said Mario Dewberry, a Corktown resident.

Development at the old St. Vincent Middle School building is nearing completion, with the doors of Kintsugi Village Childhood Center and Community Hub officially opening in a few weeks.

"What's driving us is the impact we know we're going to have once we get those doors open," said Paul Spiegelman, co-founder of Kintsugi Village.

A grand opening event is set for October 11, and the childhood center opens on October 13.

"We built a gathering place for people to build relationships for people, for kids to learn, for people to do art, to do culinary services," Spiegelman said.

They also just joined with the community to plant a SUGi pocket forest to create a place for the public to experience a little peace between all the urban noise.

"We think it's gonna be a wonderful opportunity for the community to come have a meditative moment, a zen moment, enjoy lunch," said Hamsa Yaqo, co-founder of Kintsugi Village.

Kintsugi Village partnered with several agencies, including Brightside Collective, to make it a reality.

"Brightside Collective is really propelled by this belief that small acts can propel big transformations, and we do that by partnering with landowners who have small to large pieces of land," said Jennifer Giroux, co-owner of Brightside Collective.

The trees are all native to Michigan and planted using the Japanese Miyawaki method in Kintsugi Village's backyard.

"A pocket forest is - it's established by a methodology called the Miyawaki method that was developed by a Japanese botanist, and there's many organizations out there. SUGi is the one that was our forest partner in this project. They are an international pocket forest maker, and they have built over 240 pocket forests around the world, so they work with a lot of different terrain. And what it is, it's all about creating diversity and proximity in plant species, all native plant species," said Giroux.

Giroux says the project is also about taking initiative to address air quality concerns.

"To know that they are consciously doing something to make sure that the air quality in this area improved is a plus," Dewberry said.

The forest is part of efforts to build a forward-looking campus for the community.

"Our hope is to fill this space with neighborhood and community people, from kids, small kids, big kids, to be able to come and enjoy and learn about art, break bread together, enjoy the outdoors, and just have a space to come and be together as a community. We think that's really important, especially now," said Yaqo.

There are still a few spots open for kids 3-5 years old. Full enrollment will open in January.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.