Feeling the power OF A POWWOW
Dancers' regalia was once deemed illegal in Canada
A powwow is a showcase of Indigenous culture through dance, music, food, crafts and more.
A little more than two years ago, my husband and I watched a group of female dancers perform a jingle dance at the Miawpukek Powwow in Conne River, N.L.
There was a time span of nearly 75 years when powwows and other traditional Indigenous ceremonies were illegal in Canada. The Indian Act, enacted in 1876 and amended many times, outlawed the wearing of traditional clothing and many other things.
During that dark time, some Indigenous groups continued to hold traditional ceremonies in secret, but many lost the cultural practices, traditions and oral history that was passed down during such events.
The Miawpukek Nation re-established the powwow in Conne River in 1995. Typically held the first weekend in July, the event includes dancing, singing, traditional foods, handicrafts and ceremonies.
“When we started the powwow, we wanted to invite people from other parts of Canada,” explained Chief Misel Joe. “Powwows were traditionally held to celebrate a good year and share the good fortune with others. It's a social gathering that brings people together and it's an opportunity for visitors to learn about Mi'kmaq culture and traditions.”
Over the weekend in Conne River, my husband and I enjoyed drumming and dancing, ate traditional foods, purchased handicrafts at the marketplace, learned about medicinal plants and experienced a sweat lodge ceremony.
Spending time with Joe and the Miawpukek people helped us understand the power that is found in powwows and other Indigenous ceremonies.
A powwow is a celebration, but it's also profoundly spiritual. Many dancers pray while they dance, keeping their moccasins closely connected to the earth.
The re-establishment of the powwow in Conne River was the beginning of a cultural revival for the Miawpukek Nation. Our incredible experience at the Miawpukek powwow was the beginning of an increased understanding and appreciation of Mi'kmaq culture.
WHERE TO EXPERIENCE A POWWOW IN CANADA
There are two different kinds — competition powwows and traditional powwows. Competition powwows attract dancers who vie for prizes and recognition, while traditional ones are smaller community celebrations.
Both types of powwows are important cultural festivals that help to stimulate the economy in Indigenous communities.
In 2020, most Canadian powwows were cancelled or held virtually due to restrictions on public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they will eventually return.
Here are a few you should consider attending to celebrate Indigenous culture and to personally experience the power of a powwow.
Kamloopa Powwow, Kamloops, B.C.: One of the largest First Nations celebrations in Western Canada, the Kamloopa Powwow attracts more than 1,000 dancers and spectators annually. The event, which is normally held on the August long weekend at the Tk'emlups te Secwépemc Powwow Grounds, is a three-day celebration of the Secwépemc people's heritage through song, dance and storytelling.
Calgary Stampede Powwow: In 1912, when American promoter Guy Weadick organized the first Calgary Stampede, Treaty 7 First Nations were a part of it. At a time when it was illegal to leave a reserve without a pass, wear regalia or speak their native languages, Indigenous people paraded through the streets of Calgary and set up a teepee encampment near the stampede grounds. Weadick and several prominent local politicians tirelessly lobbied the federal government for a temporary exemption to the restrictions of the Indian Act to make the impossible happen. Today, the Elbow River Camp hosts a daily traditional powwow as well as a competition powwow, and visitors can see different styles of regalia and dancing from each of the nations participating.
Manitou Ahbee Powwow, Winnipeg: The Manito Ahbee Festival celebrates Indigenous, Métis and Inuit culture, music and art. Events include a marketplace, Indigenous Music Awards, Métis jigging competitions and a competition powwow. The 2020 event was virtual with 32 dance categories and five dance specials.
Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow, Toronto: Held at Fort York National Historic Site in June, the Native Men's Residence Traditional Pow Wow is part of a threeday Indigenous arts festival. The free powwow features traditional dancing, drumming, a feast, craft vendors and more.
Grand River Champion of Champions Powwow, Ohsweken, Ont.: For more than 40 years, the Grand River competition powwow has attracted some of the best dancers in Canada. The powwow is hosted by the Iroquois people
Powwows were traditionally held to celebrate a good year and share the good fortune with others.
of Six Nations — Cayuga, Mohawk, Onondaga, Tuscarora, Oneida and Seneca at Chiefswood Park, about 20 minutes southeast of Brantford. Besides exceptional dancing and drumming, the powwow has wonderful craft and food vendors selling everything from traditional Haudenosaunee corn soup to bannock tacos.
Miawpukek Powwow, Conne River, N.L.: This traditional community powwow includes drumming, dancing, a community feast, nature walks, handicraft vendors and more. The Miawpukek Powwow is normally held the first weekend in July.
POWWOW ETIQUETTE
Pay attention to the MC. The MC will announce events and protocols for visitors such as standing during the Grand Entry, a procession near the start of a powwow that includes elders, veterans, RCMP, political and community leaders, special dignitaries and dancers.
Know when to put your camera away. In general, taking pictures during competitions is allowed, but you should ask permission before taking photos of people on the powwow grounds. Do not take pictures during ceremonial parts of a powwow, such as when people make offerings at sacred fires.
Don't touch regalia. Dancers are often proud to show off the craftsmanship of their attire, but this clothing is ceremonial and it is considered impolite to touch regalia without permission.
Powwows are family-friendly. Attending a powwow is a fun and educational experience for all ages.