Medicine for the soul
Annual Abegweit Powwow sees large crowd despite similar events in the region
The pounding drums and high energy of a powwow is like medicine for Vincent Marshall.
The golden age dancer from Eskasoni, N.S., was one of many dressed in full regalia during the 24th annual Abegweit Powwow at the Panmure Island Cultural Park this weekend.
He was also one of several dancers who participated in an honour song Sunday, which was requested by the mother of a young man suffering from a heart condition.
While Marshall was not the first elder to put his feather on the drum, a tradition to start the honour song, he was able to relate to the struggles facing the young man.
“I’ve had two heart attacks and three strokes and I’m still here,” said Marshall, who used to require a cane for walking.
However, there was no cane in Marshall’s hands Sunday as he danced along the circle to the sounds of pounding drums and native singers.
“This is my medicine,” Marshall said to the hundreds of spectators who watched the dance.
The annual two-day cultural celebration showcased traditional Indigenous culture through song, dance, clothing and food.
One Breath Mitchell, a member of Saulteaux First Nation originally from Manitoba, has attended the P.E.I. event for about 10 years and described it as one of the premier powwows in the Atlantic region.
Now living in Halifax, Mitchell and his wife Denise, are dedicated members of a group who travel to powwows every weekend.
“We’re all like family,” said Mitchell. “We all look out for each other and help with accommodations… it’s a very cultural, family friendly season for us.”
Another highlight on Sunday was a round dance, where all members of the audience were encouraged to get up and help form a ring around the six drum bands.
“It symbolizes the friendship between nations,” said head male dancer Dion Bernard.
Master of ceremonies Jim Augustine, said that’s what the powwow is all about.
“Our country and North America is very unique. We really only have these kinds of things here,” said Augustine. “That’s’ what the powwow is all about, people getting together to dance, laugh, make jokes and to eat. We welcome everyone, there’s absolutely no racism here.”
Bernard, a member of Abegweit First Nation, said it was encouraging to see such a diverse group celebrating at the powwow.
He was especially happy to see the many younger members and first-time dancers.
“There are other powwows going on so I’m surprised by how many people are here,” said Bernard. “We’re grateful and honoured that a lot of the new dancers have come out.”
While the P.E.I. powwow usually sees about 5,000 participants, other powwows held over the weekend in northern New Brunswick and Maine drew away some of the regular attendees.
“It kind of divided everyone up. It left those of us from Nova Scotia and P.E.I. deciding where to go,” said Mitchell, who noted that it wasn’t much of a choice for him. “We come here every year faithfully. It’s an honour because it’s such a beautiful place.”