Powwow draws hundreds

Hundreds of dancers, drummers and singers filled the floor of Credit Union Centre (CUC) over the weekend, many wearing feathers, skins or other traditional regalia.

“I didn’t realize it was going to be so big,” said Susan Rowsell.

It was the first time Rowsell and her extended family came to the Spirit of Our Nations Pow Wow, hosted by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN).

Rowsell, a Newfoundlander living in Fort McMurray, Alta., was in Saskatoon with her extended family for the convocation of her niece, Jennifer Sheppard.

Sheppard, who received her University of Saskatchewan master’s degree in science Saturday, saw an ad for the powwow and decided to bring everyone to CUC Sunday afternoon.

“I think they’re pretty surprised,” Sheppard said.

Part of the Mi’kmaq First Nation, Sheppard’s family had attended much, much smaller cultural events back in Newfoundland.

The three-day powwow included several grand entries, and competitions in dancing, singing and drumming.

FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde and vice-chief Bobby Cameron gave welcoming remarks, and noted the dancers included a 93-yearold woman. Bellegarde said everyone should hope to be that fit and healthy in their nineties.

Albert Ormiston is not a First Nations man, but said he’s been going to powwows for years. As a social worker in northern Saskatchewan, his day is often filled with families in crisis. That’s why it’s so important for him, and for everyone, to attend events like the powwow.

“This is a place where you see the positive side of aboriginal culture,” Ormiston said during a break from volunteering in the kids craft area.

“Everybody is healthy, fit and wanting to be a success. Even young boys, who can be a nightmare, are all getting along, being respectful.”