Clarity sought on powwow rules
Manitoba premier says PM must clear up mixed health messages
WINNIPEG Manitoba’s premier has added his voice to provincial leaders calling on Ottawa to clear up mixed messages about Indigenous ceremonies, after a chief said his First Nation would hold its annual powwow even if public health orders continue to limit the size of gatherings.
“Now is not the time to begin to disrespect public health orders that have kept Manitobans safe — all Manitobans,” Brian Pallister said.
Pallister said he would bring up the issue on a Thursday call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“We are not people who believe in two-tiered health,” the premier added.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe criticized the federal government’s approach earlier this month after RCMP were dispatched to a sun-dance ceremony. Moe said no one is exempt from provincial public health orders because no one is exempt from COVID -19.
Thousands of people usually travel across the country to dance and reconnect during the powwow season. This year, most traditional gatherings have been cancelled or delayed over concerns about COVID-19 or due to provincial restrictions on how many people can gather.
In Saskatchewan, restrictions on public gatherings have led to the cancellation of summer powwows across the province.
Chief Cornell Mclean said that after careful consideration, Lake Manitoba First Nation decided to go ahead with the community’s traditional powwow next month. “It is our culture,” Mclean said. Two months ago, Lake Manitoba was one of the first reserves in the province to restrict travel in and out of the community, about 160 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Many other First Nations followed. Mclean said there have been no cases of COVID-19 in the region.
He said it has been difficult for many residents as they deal with the stress of isolation, financial strain and concern over their families. Some have turned to alcohol or drugs, he said.
He believes the powwow that is being organized will bring healing.
“It’s important because we are trying to start that healing process for our members.”
There have been 294 cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba. However, the number of infections has stagnated over the last few weeks. The government reported two new cases on Thursday; 14 are active.
Mclean and his council watched as the provincial government began to loosen restrictions this month. He said they decided to move forward with the powwow when the limit on outdoor gatherings was increased to 50 people.
“We won’t have people standing arm in arm, that’s for sure, but we will find a way to make it work for our community,” said the chief, who added that anyone not feeling well should not attend the event set for June 19-21.
The powwow is still being planned and Mclean did not indicate how many people are expected to take part. Outside of community members, people from four nearby First Nations are likely to come, he said.
Organizers will be watching what happens with provincial public health orders and will decide if there needs to be a limit on attendance, but there won’t be less than 100 people, Mclean said.
The First Nation may get criticized for holding the powwow, but Mclean noted the federal government has made it clear that Indigenous ceremonies won’t be stopped during the pandemic.
“Canada must not and will not prohibit these important practices,” Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said earlier this month.
Any decision to cancel or postpone cultural practices remains up to community leadership, Indigenous Services spokesperson Martine Stevens said in an email.
Manitoba Health said Indigenous ceremonies need to follow current public health recommendations. The department said it will work with First Nations to provide public health guidance.
Manitoba chiefs acted quickly to keep communities safe when it was clear COVID-19 was spreading, said Arlen Dumas, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. They continue to do what’s best for their communities now that Manitoba is taking steps to reopen, he added.
“We aren’t going to be able to isolate ourselves forever, so how do we start living with this thing?”