Batchewana First Nation's annual pow wow shares Indigenous traditions
For decades the people of Batchewana First Nation have gathered this time of year, to host their annual pow wow for the entire region’s benefit.
Warm weather helped bring hundreds to the Rankin Pow Wow Grounds, for what Batchewana Chief Mark McCoy called a great way to finish off the summer.
"The community looks forward to it every year, its one of the highlights of the year," said McCoy adding that it is the ideal event to promote community among band members.
"It's great to see the youth, it's great to see the elders – all participating, dancing, listening to the drum, sharing."
Among the youth in attendance were Reynelle Wemigwans and Jordan General.
10-year-old General told CTV News he thinks pow wows are "something people should visit as a way to see something new and different" if they've never been.
Wemigwans, 12, said her favourite part is "the dancing, and the drums" and that "people should come to pow wows because the food is really awesome here."
- Want more Sault area news? Visit CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca's Sault Ste. Marie news page
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
There are plenty of food vendors on hand – as well as those selling jewelry and apparel.
Batchewana First Nation pow wow hosts many vendors for food, apparel and jewelry. (Cory Nordstrom/CTV News Northern Ontario) Marlene Martin sells a variety at ‘The Copper Mine,’ but specializes in items made from copper.
"It (copper) is symbolic to first nation's people, it’s used in various ceremonies."
As someone who didn't know much about her culture growing up, the items she sells comes with an explanation or story.
"Our kits that we have contains all the medicines. They ask what is this and this and that, so we explain to the... it’s all about teaching."
Elder, and former Batchewana First Nation Chief, Vernon Syrette said "That's why we have pow wow."
All those attending the pow wow got to experience traditional dancing, they listen to the drumming and got to share in the experience. (Cory Nordstrom/CTV News Northern Ontraio)The event serve as a way to preserve Indigenous traditions, while also showing the beauty of the culture to people from all ages and all backgrounds.
"If you have any questions about the Native North American culture at a pow wow, everybody's a little different, but go ahead and ask," said Syrette.
The festivities continue Sunday at the Rankin Pow Wow Grounds.
For more information on the pow wow, visit the First Nation's social media page.
Batchewana First Nation's annual pow wow serves as a way to preserve Indigenous traditions, while also showing the beauty of the culture to people from all ages from all backgrounds. (Cory Nordstrom/CTV News Northern Ontaro)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau says Liberals 'strong and united' despite caucus dissent
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Liberal party is 'strong and united,' despite efforts from within his caucus to oust him as leader.
Air Transat to lay off up to 400 flight attendants amid financial woes
Air Transat says it is laying off as many as 400 flight attendants, but plans to bring them back to work at some point.
'Canadians can breathe a sigh of relief': Bank of Canada Governor on interest rate cut
The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.
CEO of N.B. potato chip company taking 'extended leave of absence' after arrest
The president and CEO of New Brunswick-based Covered Bridge Potato Chips is taking an 'extended leave of absence' after being charged with domestic violence this past weekend.
This common gesture could be a sign of a concussion, researchers say
A quick shake of the head after a hard hit could signal that a person has a concussion, a new study suggests, based on the experiences of young athletes.
'Malcolm in the Middle' star Frankie Muniz lands full-time NASCAR ride in 2025
Former 'Malcolm in the Middle' star Frankie Muniz is set to continue his NASCAR career with a full-time ride in the Truck Series for 2025.
Children's clothing sold at Giant Tiger recalled for lead: Health Canada
A recall has been issued for certain clothing items sold at Giant Tiger stores over high levels of lead, according to a notice published by Health Canada Tuesday.
3 found dead in British care home and 4 hospitalized after 'unexplained' incident
Three people were found dead Wednesday and four others were hospitalized after an 'unexplained' incident at a care home in southern England, police said.
'Unbelievably violent': Gisele Pelicot, French victim of mass rape, takes the stand
Gisele Pelicot, the 72-year-old victim of mass rape whose ordeal has shocked the world, told a trial in southern France on Wednesday that she was determined that making her case public should help other women and change society.