One activity that would further our knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions is the Pow Wow.  Anglican parishioners and churches might wish to consider attending one in the Ottawa-Gatineau area this summer. Pow Wows welcome non-Indigenous (settlers), Métis and Inuit peoples alike. 

A Pow Wow is a time of celebration, healing and spiritual growth.  It is a gathering where people come together to dance, sing, seek healing, meet old friends and make new ones. The Pow Wow is a time to reaffirm the joy of life and reconnect with Mother Earth.  

There are two kinds of Pow Wows: Competition and Traditional. A competition Pow Wow is set up to attract the best drummers and dancers from all over by offering money through singing and dancing contests.

There is much to experience and enjoy at a Pow Wow – dances, songs, drumming and visiting the many vendors selling jewelry, crafts, art, clothing, beadwork, dreamcatchers, etc.  Another major attraction is the variety of First Nations foods offered at these events.

Pow Wow Etiquette

Visitors are welcome at Pow Wows, but there are some things to consider when you attend one.

Respect the Opening Prayer

The Grand Entry and the Opening Prayer signal the beginning of the Pow Wow.  The Opening Prayer is always performed by an Elder, and the drum takes centre stage as the most important part.

Ask before taking photos

There are some times during the Pow Wow that shouldn’t be photographed, such as ceremonies and prayers.  Ask permission before snapping.

Pay attention to announcers

The Master of Ceremonies will be talking throughout the event, so make sure to listen for when to sit, when to stand, and when to join in the dance!

Do not bring drugs or alcohol

A Pow Wow is a cultural event, not a party.  Alcohol, drugs and firearms are never allowed on the premises.  Drugs and alcohol are not part of the culture.

Know the differences between Pow Wows

Some Pow Wows are traditional ceremonies, while others are performed as a competition.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

A Pow Wow is a spiritual experience for those performing, but you may not fully understand what’s going on if you’re new to these events.  If you have any questions, just ask!

Don’t forget your tobacco

Offering traditional tobacco in a tobacco tie, if possible, to an Elder or dancer before a question is a sign of tremendous respect.

Do browse the local vendors

When you’re buying from the artisans, you’re supporting Indigenous families and their communities.

It’s regalia, not a costume

A dancer’s regalia is how they dress their spirit.  It’s a special piece of handmade clothing that holds spiritual significance to the dancer, and is adorned with beading that has taken many hours (or even years) to assemble.  Be respectful and always ask before taking photos.

Recognize different traditions

Traditions change from nation to nation.  Sometimes a local nation holds a cultural expo of their specific traditions – such as a sacred fire- or different dances that are specific to that region, like a smoke dance, switch dance or clown dance.  Enjoy the diversity!

Source:  https://canadianpowwows.ca/dos-and-donts/

NEARBY OPPORTUNITIES

Here in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec the All My Relations Circle was able to confirm the following Pow Wows on Algonquin First Nations territory taking place in 2022.  Given the uncertainties with Covid, do check before you go:

KITIGAN ZIBI

 June 4-5, 2022   

Grand Entry at 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday

Located just south of Maniwaki off Hwy 105.  

Sylvia Morin – Cultural Centre

819-441-1655

sylvia.morin@kza.qc.ca

OTTAWA SUMMER SOLSTICE INDIGENOUS FESTIVAL 

 June 21-26. 2022 

At Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa

1-833-864-7839

PIKWAKANAGAN 

First Nation  – Golden Lake  

At the time of Crosstalk publication it was not known if the annual Pow Wow would be held this year.  If it is held, the dates for this event are August 20-21, 2022.  

Contact: Kevin Lamarr, 

Cultural Coordinator 

 613-625-2800.  

Coordinator.culture.aa@pikwakanagan.ca

The post What is a Pow Wow and why you should attend one appeared first on Perspective.

Archbishop Mark MacDonald, National Indigenous Anglican Bishop for the Anglican Church of Canada, graciously offered some thoughts on the subject in correspondence with All My Relations Circle member Janet Allingham. “Land acknowledgements have served to change the conversation in the church” with some parishes weaving them into a kind of “faith and action statement,” he said. At the same time, the archbishop concedes that land acknowledgements are of “mixed impact” because while they “serve to remind hearers about justice, they often serve as a device to lået people off the hook of real action on justice, an essential element of reconciliation.” 

Are we expecting too much from land acknowledgements? Do we risk letting them do the work of reconciliation for us? Or are they, at the very least, a start. The following examples speak for themselves, demonstrating a range of events from across the diocese.  

While acknowledgements in the Diocese of Ottawa take many forms, Christ Church Cathedral has incorporated one into its corporate statement. Written in both Algonquin and English it reads as follows:  “Anishinabe aking ate awaso kikinawadjichigan/ A place of prayer on Algonquin territory since 1832.” Aware of this, a neighbouring parish has begun to consider adopting the practice as part of its upcoming anniversary.

The well-known Kairos Blanket Exercise is, at its root, an event of land acknowledgement.

The well-known Kairos Blanket Exercise is, at its root, an event of land acknowledgement. Many participants have called the event both educational and moving. Marian McGrath, of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, said that the experience inspired her to want to “do more.” When the parish worked with the municipality in Chelsea, Que. to create a community path that crosses the land upon which the parish church stands, the parish was mindful that the path stands on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg, Bishop Shane and Albert Dumont attended to bless and smudge the trail respectively, and as reported in the March issue of Crosstalk, the Municipal Council of Chelsea recently unanimously approved a motion to name the trail Nakweyam diwin Mik (friendship trail), the name proposed by Elder Dumont.

Kathryn Fournier, a member of the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, says that a congregational group formed last year to study 21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act by Bob Joseph is committed to grounding the parish’s reconciliation wok in the local context. The group is continuing to meet to learn more about Indigenous peoples’ history in the area as well as to better understand the current land claim/modern treaty negotiations taking place between the Algonquins of Ontario, Ontario and Canada.

The effectiveness of land acknowledgements will be judged, Archbishop MacDonald said,  “on the way that they inspire advocacy for and commitment to Indigenous judgement.” He added that there is  “growing awareness that land was often seized illegally and immorally with justifications that were based in the systematic dehumanization of Indigenous Peoples.”  Like the Biblical story of the scattering of seeds, when the words of land acknowledgement fall on fertile ground, they can lead to a richness of experience as individuals and communities embark upon or continue their journeys of reconciliation.  

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