By Martha Aitkin, Bruce Peninsula Press
The 39th Annual Neyaashiinigmiing Traditional Pow Wow took place from August 16-18 at Cape Croker Park.
From the early Sunday morning Sunrise Ceremony until the late afternoon Travelling Song and Giveaway Ceremony the healing smoke of the sacred fire and the sweet scents of four powerful Anishinaabe medicines, sage, sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco, mingled in the air along with the smells of traditional foods such as frybread, Indian tacos, corn, and burgers made of elk and bison meat. You haven’t lived until you have eaten a sconedog! Many Pow Wow attendees were delighted to find vegetarian and gluten free options available in the wide variety of food and beverage trucks on the grounds.
Lenore Keeshig, the Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences Manager at Cape Croker Park, was kind enough to show me around. The 39 years of experience are obvious in the very well laid out Pow Wow grounds with semi-permanent rain proof shelters over the sacred fire and the drums. From the outer circles of food vendors, artists and information tables, all the way in to the center where the drummers gathered in circles around their large base drums, there were joyous sounds of laughter and conversation between and among the tribes and the non-indigenous visitors.
There were many artists sheltering as best they could in open-sided tents. I was particularly fascinated by the work of an artist named Biizindam. Biizindam’s beautiful art work on display at the Pow Wow, as well as her large creations which are installed as murals in various locations around the country, incorporate her knowledge (traditional teachings plus a science degree from McMaster University) and her love of science!
I was also delighted to sample some locally crafted candy made from local ingredients including the Neyaashiinigmiing made Ziibaakdakaan (Ojibwe word for sugar bush) maple syrup. Lenore took me into the high (and almost dry) ground of the Elder’s shelter where I was able to stand and watch with awe the Grand Entry led by the Head Veteran, Wayne Petawanakwat. This year a group of 27 army recruits from the Grey Wolf program (combination military training and Indigenous cultural teachings) were in attendance on Sunday.
The 39th Annual Neyaashiinigmiing Traditional Pow Wow is a two day event. Check out the Neyaashiinigmiing Pow Wow Guide (new this year) at https://www.nawash.ca/powwow/ for the full itinerary as well as some helpful guidance for visitors who are not yet familiar with Pow Wow etiquette. This is an alcohol and drug free all ages event. It is important to show respect throughout the event, listen to the prayer and avoid taking photos during honour songs, prayers and memorial specials.
Throughout the very wet day that I was able to attend (whenever it was not raining it was pouring!) the drummers drummed and sang while joyous dancers of all ages danced. The older dancers, especially the ones in regalia, took care to avoid the slippery mud while the laughing children danced in the puddles with glee!
Although I was drenched and cold I did not want to leave. I look forward to the 2025 Pow Wow season. Dear readers, I hope you find your way to at least one of these enriching cultural events next year.
