Curve Lake celebrates harvest season with powwow
Annual event attracts crowds to First Nation community
At the powwow you could hear the drums; always in the background were the drums. The sound of the jingle dresses provided a lighter rhythm as the colours of the jewelry designs drew you in. The smell of hamburgers and potatoes created long lines. The smooth surfaces of carvings done on antlers and soapstone were waiting to be touched. The warmth of the bright sun encouraged the celebration.
On Sept. 21 and 22, Curve Lake First Nation held its 66th annual powwow. It was a celebration of Waabaabagaa Giizis, “leaves changing colour moon,” a time to gather to celebrate the harvest, to bring in wood, to can, to hunt, to fish and prepare for winter.
Each morning, the celebration opened with a sunrise ceremony at 6 a.m. followed by breakfast. Grass dancers, identified by their regalia and dance style, were part of the morning ceremony. The grand entry introducing all the dancers happened at noon, followed by an elder prayer. A dance for returning Curve Lake First Nation members was part of the afternoon activities with all dancers in their own personal regalia. This was followed by demonstration dances.
The regalia is personal for each dancer. It represents their dreams, hopes, feelings and family history. A child’s basic regalia changes as that child develops their own interests. They are encouraged to express their dreams to guide the design of their regalia. It is a long process. Along with dreams, family history is involved, and regalia often showcases what their clan represents. There is something new and something old woven into each article.
There were crafters exhibiting their wares. From Curve Lake, Randall Knott showcased earrings, necklaces and paintings. From Thunder Bay, Diane Davis exhibited the ponchos and regalia that she designs. On top of her design work, Davis, who travels to 14-15 pow wows every year, is also pursuing a social work degree.
Dream catchers abounded at the event. They are to offer protection from bad dreams and let good dreams pass through and slide down the feathers to comfort the sleeper. But after spending the weekend the powwow, good dreams and happy memories are likely to dance in attendees’ heads.
Election debate
Candidates for Peterborough—Kawartha debated five questions at the Buckhorn Community Centre on Sept. 23. The questions focused on the support of seniors, housing prices, the economy, climate change and water quality issues.
Michael Skinner, Conservative party candidate, opened the debate with his reasons for being a candidate, including abolishing the carbon tax.
Andrew MacGregor, Green party candidate, cited the climate crisis and helping his kids as his reasons.
Bob Bowers, Independent candidate, was concerned with where money from casinos and lotteries was going, and called for people to work together.
Maryam Monsef, Liberal incumbent, sees this riding as a miniature picture of the nation, with rural and urban environments, skilled and unskilled labour and educational institutions. She says she wants to continue to help the citizens of the riding.
Candace Shaw of the NDP stated that she was proud to be part of a party that holds Canadian values at the forefront.
Alexander Murphy of the People’s Party of Canada wants to fight to ensure that every Canadian’s life is more affordable.