The annual Pow Wow was held at Bear Claw Casino from August 5 to 7, and it was a fantastic feast for the senses. The vibrant colours of traditional costumes impressed the eyes; thrilling music filled the ears, delicious aromas of food floated on the breeze and inspired appetites, and the vibrations of the drums could be felt deep within the body, reaching perhaps to the very soul itself.
There could be no doubt that First Nation culture is alive and well in our land. The richness of the heritage is being passed on to the younger people with great pride and reverence by events such as this. The thousands of visitors who attend these events gain a whole new appreciation of their First Nation neighbours.
The three-day event was witnessed and enjoyed by people of all ages, and they started settling into their places on the bleachers by 7 p.m. on Friday evening. They were entertained by music, and also the information shared by the announcers, Tommy Christian from Wolf Point, Montana, and Sheldon Wuttnee from Red Pheasant First Nation, as they waited for events to begin.
The Grand Entry started at 8 p.m. and within half an hour the intertribal competitions were in full swing. Drum, songs and traditional dances enthralled the audience, while judges took notes and assessed the performances. The Head Drum Judge was Harvey Thunderchild, and judging included etiquette, knowledge of the songs, timing of the drum beat, and the response from the crowd and dancers. Similarly, dancers were judged according to their steps and rhythm, and their synchronicity with the beat of the song.
Crowds returned for the continuation of events on Saturday. It was sunny and breezy, a perfect day to enjoy and appreciate the skills of the performers. The Grand Entry was at 1 p.m. with the reverence of prayers, victory song and introductions to dignitaries. Singing competitions played a large role on this day, and of course dancing continued, highlighting the skills of both men and women.
Children of course, are always a delight to watch. The Tiny Tot dances caused many smiles from the audience, as young children took to the floor and danced, some alone and some with the help of adults, to the great appreciation of all who watched them. Winners each received a tricycle, and all the children took home prizes such as stuffed animals and a bag of candy.
Junior girls and junior boys dancing competitions were held, and then the participants got to show what they were capable of, bringing their added maturity to their performances. Song categories included fancy, jingle, grass and traditional.
Tradition has always been a very important part of First Nations heritage, and so has the honouring of those family members who have passed on from this life. There was a prayer for dead family members, and a family walked around the arena with pictures of their loved ones. People shook hands with the relatives, and joined with the family in the giving of recognition and honour to the ancestors. For many people it was a very special and hallowed moment, an opportunity for some to learn about the deep spirituality that exists in the original inhabitants of this land.
Later in the day there was a demonstration by the Unity Riders, a special group led by Horse Chief Gus High Eagle. The Unity Riders ride for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood between all nations and people. They ride down thousands of miles of trails, roads, forests and open plains for the cause of peace. They are daring and brave and ride in all weathers, through ice, twisters, floods and melting heat, while Elders pray for their safety and protection. Later this year, they will ride to New York for an historic gathering at the United Nations.
The evening continued with more dance competitions, and while many people watched in fascination at the main event, others visited the various vendors who had set up their products or services for visitors to enjoy and purchase. Vendors included My Dream Kitchen from Peepeekisis First Nations, Ruby McArthur from Pheasant Rump First Nations, Minnie's Grill from Muskowegan First Nations, and Amber, who sold many Sno Cones, making the trip worthwhile from Goodfish Lake, Alberta.
On Sunday, the Grand Entry was at 1 p.m. The Host Drum was Young Bear, and there was prayer, victory song and dances. Introductions were again made, and people came forward to be honoured, eagle staff, flag bearers, veterans, and princesses and "ocean man little warrior." Intertribal singing competitions continued, as people danced and allowed the music to move them, stir them. Some songs petitioned the creator to bring healing to all Mother Nature's creatures, or to bring people and nations together. Others celebrated the victories First Nation's peoples have won, and the successes they have had.
As singers and dancers came and went, there was a sense of great celebration and honour. Hands would be shaken, people recognised, and thanks given. It was nothing like the spiritless entertainment that many people outside First Nations are used to. It was thrilling, entertaining, and yet at the same time moving, educating, almost healing to the spirit.
As the day wore on, dancing, singing and drumming continued. Prizes were awarded, and soon it was time for supper. But the day was not over. As evening came, another Grand Entry at 7 p.m. introduced the final session of the three-day event. Once again people thrilled to the celebration of culture, colour and ability that so many talented performers presented. There were more awards of course, and various jokes through the evening, and finally the performances ended before 10 p.m.
As people left the area, many were already thinking of another visit to future Pow Wows and events hosted by the Casino and the White Bear First Nation. It takes a massive amount of skill and dedication to put such events on. Planning starts early and involves committees, organizers, sponsors and performers. These events bring diverse people together, not just from First Nations across the continent, but also from communities that are outside the First Nation cultures. Greater exposure brings greater knowledge and better appreciation for the uniqueness of each heritage. However, it also reminds people of the very lesson the Unity Riders wish to present. When it comes down to it, we are all one. We can rejoice in our cultural differences, but one look on the smiling faces of the young people who danced and sang with such enthusiasm surely reminds us of our unity. That's the true gift of events such as the Pow Wow.
