2002 powwow season underway at stroke of midnight

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People from communities in the central Ontario region-in the area that includes North Bay to Manitoulin Island-ended 2001 with the annual traditional New Year's Eve powwow in Sagamok First Nation and brought in 2002 with the annual traditional New Year's Day powwow in M'Chigeeng (West Bay) on Manitoulin Island.

There were more than 30 dancers and two drums registered for this one-day powwow in M'Chigeeng that brought out local artist, film-maker, playwright and actor Shirley Cheechoo, who along with a collegue, filmed the powwow as part of a documentary that Cheechoo is working on.

"I'm not doing any feature films at the moment. I'm just working on some documentaries. The powwow taking place today in my own community was a good event to film from a documentary standpoint and allows me to share traditions of my community with others. But so far this year-she laughs because it's only Jan. 1-I'm concentrating on making documentaries, but we'll see, you never know what turn your life or your work will take," said Cheechoo.

People trickled in and out throughout the day, which wrapped up with a give-away and feast. Glen Hare, chief of M'Chigeeng First Nation, was on hand with his sense of humor, a smile for all and a helping hand.

Hare carried in one of the eagle staffs during grand entry and returned during the day bringing his wife and more food for the feast. At the end of the day, Hare, donning a war bonnet, rejoined the color guard for the retiring of the flags and staffs. He then requested the microphone from the emcee and reminded participants that the Elders were to be fed first. Hare returned the microphone and once the food had been blessed began serving the Elders himself. He then rounded up several of the young people who were standing around suggesting that they all get busy taking plates of food to the Elders while he continued to serve people himself.

Also present at this powwow were two traditional healers from Ecuador, Juan Uyunkar, 48, and his son Edgar Wainahatae Uyunkar, 21. These are the same two men who were arrested in Wikwemikong in November after a police investigation into the death of an Elder during a healing ceremony that took place in that community in October.

As reported in Windspeaker these two men have garnered support from the communities on Manitoulin Island, including M'Chigeeng's chief. This show of support was evident from the way the men were treated at this powwow. They were requested to demonstrate a dance from Ecuador, which they readily agreed to do.