A celebration of culture
There was a royal flavour to the annual Mid-Winter Pow Wow at Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre.
Thirteen-year-old Laniya Antone is a princess.
Crowned Miss Teen Oneida last fall, the London, Ont., girl was one of a number of dancers who entertained the crowds at the 22nd annual celebration of native history and culture on Saturday.
As the reigning princess, Laniya is an ambassador to her Oneida heritage and travels to pow wows and other events across Canada.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “I get to represent the Oneida people and go to a lot of places.”
The Antone family has participated in pow wows across North America including events in Ontario as well as Michigan, New York and New Mexico.
Her colourful dance regalia was decorated with elk teeth — traditionally a way for women to show off the hunting skills of male family members — as well as intricate bead work. She also wore a beaded medallion which indicates she is a traditional smoke dancer.
Saturday’s traditional pow wow kicked off with a grand entry of participants followed by performances throughout the day of dancers, musicians, singers and drummers. The event also showcased aboriginal food and crafts.
“We love to throw open our doors and see the community come in,” said Jennifer Dockstader, executive director at the Buffalo Road centre.
“It’s a wonderful way to kick off the dust of winter and start to enter into spring.”
Allan Jamieson, president of the centre’s board of directors, agreed.
“It makes my heart proud to see our people together,” he told a crowd.
More than 600 people were expected to attend the daylong event.