Powwow: ‘It’s to celebrate with everyone’
Niagara Regional Native Centre hosts sixth annual event
Nurturing our Roots is about resiliency and togetherness. And everyone was invited.
Niagara Regional Native Centre held a two-day powwow at Montebello Park over the Thanksgiving weekend.
The event featured demonstrations of Indigenous cultures, dance, song, traditional drumming, food and crafts.
It began each day with a grand entry of traditional drumming and dancing and thanks offered by indigenous elders.
The sixth annual event was a celebration for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
“It’s about taking ownership of who we are as an Indigenous people,” said Phil Davis, the cultural resource co-ordinator at Niagara Regional Native Centre.
“It’s about what our ancestors kept for us through trying time.
“It’s to celebrate with everyone. It’s who we always were,” he said.
“It’s for everybody,” said Theresa Gillis, project co-ordinator of Wasa:nabin, a program for urban indigenous youth to foster their ability to make healthy choices.
The powwow is for everyone to feel a sense of community, she said. “A sense of belonging.”
“We all live together,” said Davis, adding with a smile, “I’m a Leafs fan.
“Come out and experience our way of life.”
To learn more about the native centre, visit http://nrnc.ca.