The first “See Muskoka Through Our Eyes” powwow saw hundreds flow through Annie Williams Memorial Park in Bracebridge during the Canada Day long weekend.
One of the many families that took part in the festivities was Melissa Johnson and her daughter Audrey.
“We’ve been divided for so long, so it’s nice to be connected,” says Hamilton, adding how she wanted to bring her daughter so she could experience Indigenous culture.
Audrey says prior to the event one of its organizers Christopher Stock helped set up the first annual Trillium Lakelands District School Board Educational Powwow and Drum Social on June 1. She adds she’s glad she was able to see what a traditional powwow is like.
“It was fun to see the dancing and singing,” she says.
Stock, who organized the event with Linda Nicholson and the Parry Sound Friendship Centre, says the Mohawk word “konnorónhkwa” – which translates to “love” in English – best represents the weekend.
“The love that was here,” he continues. “The joy that the people are feeling.”
Stock says the powwow was for everybody with no judgement, shame or blame. He adds that seeing the smiles facing – especially on young people – showed him that the event went well.
“What made [the powwow] different is that we were actually teaching backstories on [the activities],” continues Stock. “We were teaching all about how these dances started in the first place and sharing that extra knowledge and letting them know that we’re here to educate, we’re here to share our knowledge, we’re here to learn, and we’re here to honour our ancestors.”
Anne Morrow, one of the many vendors at the park, says she was happy to answer questions attendees had.
She explains how she grew up in Port Carling. “I think it’s great that people are coming and embracing our teachings,” adds Morrow about the powwow.
She says one of the inquiries she explained to people was about the use of tobacco, notably during the “grand entry” ceremony that was held on both days of the powwow at noon. She explains how it’s set on the ground or in the sacred fire to give good intentions to Mother Earth.
Morrow adds she was also asked why everyone entered the circle set up in the middle of the park from the east. She says they must walk in the direction of the sun.
Tracy Hamilton brought her daughter Madison and nephew Nash to the powwow in hopes of them learning what she didn’t get a chance to when she was younger.
“Everyone matters,” she says. “It’s been a great experience”
Madison and Nash agreed on what the best part of the powwow was: the dancing.
She says she loved learning how they traditionally dance while Nash proudly held up the prize he won for the energy he showed while tapping and hopping along.
“I can’t wait to come back next year,” adds Madison.
Stock says there will be time for organizers to debrief and go over what went well and what didn’t. “We’re just trying to take it all in and just enjoy the moment,” he adds.
He believes the powwow represents “Reconcili-action,” which is an important part of allowing everyone to move forward in a positive way.
“Let’s come together with understanding,” says Stock. “We’re here together. We’re all hurting. Every one of us is carrying something, whether it be from our past lives, personally, or from generational past lives. This was a way to bring about healing.”