One-Tank Trip for
Aug. 16/14
By Jim Fox
Prepare to be wowed
with the dancing, drumming and colourful pageantry of an aboriginal pow wow.
These gatherings of
native people to honour their customs and spiritual leaders welcome the public
to join in and enjoy the fellowship while learning more about ancient rituals
and beliefs.
 |
| Dancers add colourful pageantry to Chippewas of Rama First Nation Pow Wow in Rama. (Andrea Hamlin Photography/Ontario’s Lake Country) |
Catch the action at
the Chippewas of Rama First Nation Pow Wow in Rama and the Three Fires
Homecoming Pow Wow in Hagersville, both next weekend (Aug. 23 and 24).
There’s also the
Traditional Pow Wow and Harvest Festival at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology
in London on Sept. 13 and 14.
Song and dance
For someone attending
a pow wow for the first time, Raven
Noganosh of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, near Orillia,
said this is a celebration of First Nation culture.
“You will be excited to witness
amazing talents from all over Turtle Island/North America,” she said.
Participants
of all ages from will celebrate traditional song and dance competitively while clothed
in “beautifully coloured regalia.”
 |
| Participants celebrate traditional song and dance while wearing “beautifully coloured regalia” at the Three Fires Homecoming Pow Wow and Traditional Gathering. (Photos by Maria Fortunato) |
Visitors
will see authentic aboriginal craft booths selling original art work, carvings,
beadwork and much more while being able to enjoy “the best of our traditional
foods,” Noganosh said.
The event
will host competitive hand drum competitions and a team dance competition.
An
important part of Rama’s pow wow is the acknowledgement of the veterans as
heroes that are an essential part of our community,” said Chief Sharon Stinson
Henry.
The sound of the
drums is said to have realism and mystery that seems to gather people.
“When that ancient
drum starts to play, it opens up something in you and your mind and your heart
that you can’t stop . . . and it’s impossible not to be moved by the aura of the
pow wow,” said Sherry Lawson, one of the organizers.
“The drumming, the
chanting, the dancing and the colourful regalia are all a reflection of who the
dancers are,” she added.
Beyond the majesty
of the head dancers and the Grand Entry, competitions, arts, craft and food
vendors, visitors will witness the way aboriginal people celebrate life and
tell their stories through music and movement.
It takes place Aug.
23 and 24 at the Seniors Complex gazebo area at 5884 Rama Rd., across from
Casino Rama.
 |
| Three Fires Homecoming Pow Wow and Traditional Gathering. (Photos by Maria Fortunato) |
The event
“showcases the native culture we have in our region,” said Jennifer Whitley of Ontario’s
Lake Country tourism area.
She urges visitors to stay for the weekend to
enjoy the pow wow along with recreational activities, shopping and dining
throughout the area.
The Grand Entry is
at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 but
free for seniors, veterans and children younger than 12. Details: ramafirstnation.ca/powwow;
1-866-854-2121; OntariosLakeCountry.com
Let there be drums
Organizers are
asking visitors to bring their hand drums to the Three Fires Homecoming Pow Wow
and Traditional Gathering.
It takes place on
Aug. 23 and 24 on the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation near
Hagersville, southeast of Brantford.
The event is billed
as “colourful, vibrant and educational” attracting visitors from across
Canada and the U.S.
There are the
traditional pow wow events including singing, drumming and a “variety of
traditional dances,” food and craft vendors.
The Grand Entry on
the Saturday is at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 p.m. with closing
ceremonies at 4 p.m.
Admission costs $5
daily, with ages six and younger no charge, along with free parking. It’s at 1789 First Line Rd. (Mississauga
Road) and New Credit Road. Details: newcreditpowwow.com;
(905) 768-5686
Old traditions
London’s Museum of
Ontario Archaeology invites the public to “experience a traditional aboriginal
pow wow.”
 |
| The Museum of Ontario Archaeology features participants in traditional aboriginal pow wow attire. |
The sixth
annual Traditional Pow Wow and Harvest Festival will be held Sept. 13 and
14 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with admission by donation.
“We have hands-on
demonstrations and workshops for all ages, pow wow dancing, food and craft
vendors and more,” said Jennifer Stead, experience coordinator.
 |
| The Museum of Ontario Archaeology pow wow |
The museum is at
1600 Attawandaron Rd. museumpowwow.ca;
(519) 473-1360
-30-
Jim Fox can be
reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank
Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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