Batchewana First Nation's annual pow wow is a cultural celebration
Batchewana First Nation is holding its annual pow wow this weekend. This is among the first pow wows to be held in the community since pandemic restrictions were lifted. It is a traditional celebration of culture for the people of Batchewana; however, it is also a chance for non-indigenous people to learn about first nation culture.
“We encourage people from all around the world to come and dance with us, dance with our ancestors. We have some incredible, talented dancers that can share how to dance. We have incredible drum groups here,” Chief Dean Sayer of the Batchewana First Nation said.
First time visitors to a pow wow may have questions about the regalia worn by the dancers. Chief Sayers said every piece has a story and a spirit attached to it.
“For me, the things that come to me are alive, and there’s a spirit, and they guide me, and accompany me and advise me, help me, and encourage me, and really create motivation and create pride in who I am.”
The tiny tots dance is for small children. Tradition dictates that they not be carried while in the dance circle–as this could be interpreted as an offering to the spirit world.
“They have special songs and they like to call in a special spirit that come in and tie to the families. And so, we don’t want to make that a strong connection between our newborn and that other world so to speak,” Chief Vernon Syrette told CTV News.
Chief Syrette also explained that the pow wow grounds are not for pets.
“The whole dance area we refer to as the Creator’s garden and we want to keep this place clean, and keep it good and hopefully the dogs aren’t going to be out biting anybody or anything like that. Just… safe, safety mostly, I guess, yeah.”
Because the pow wow bring in chiefs, elders and knowledge keepers from all over, both Chief Sayers and Chief Syrette said answers to questions about their people’s tradition can be easily found at the pow wow.
“Just make sure to bring some tobacco as an offering.”
The pow wow continues until Monday, Sept. 5, with many more events planned as the weekend continues.
More details on the pow wow activities can be found on Batchewana First Nation’s Facebook page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.