Labour Day powwow a fitting end to summer

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"Taking Back Responsibility, Hear Our Voices," was the theme of the Labour Day weekend powwow on M'Chigeeng First Nation.

Bright sunshine and crisp autumn air greeted visitors to the 16th annual event. The traditional gathering is a popular way to spend the last precious days of a fading summer.

M'Chigeeng Elder Ina Panamick said the opening prayer followed by a honour song by host drum Medicine Star for the assembled veterans.

Master of Ceremonies Chris Pheasant invited the sons and daughters of veterans to enter the circle and dance in support of their fathers. "All non-Native veterans are asked to come forward and join their comrades as we pay tribute to the gentlemen and ladies who gave their lives for freedom." he said.

Wikwemikong veteran Eddy King told the gathering that some of the older veterans are in the process of training their sons to take over head veteran responsibilities.

M'Chigeeng Chief Glen Hare paused briefly to bring the community up to date on a border dispute facing the United Chiefs and Councils. He noted that the government has been interfering with Aboriginal rights to barter and travel freely across the U.S.- Canada border. He emphasized the importance of First Nations standing in solidarity on the issue.

Throughout the weekend there were traditional giveaways, coming out ceremonies and songs by the Tail Feather Singers. The sacred fire burned on the powwow grounds and a sweat lodge was available.

Visitors and residents alike enjoyed inter-tribal dances, jingle dress dancing (zhinawaaoojigan), fancy dances (bineshimo), traditional dances (gchi-Anishinaabek) and grass dances (daawinjigeshimo).

For those with a hearty appetite, there were samples of corn soup, Indian tacos, salt pork and scones and blueberry and strawberry shortcake. Many Native vendors travelled to M'Chigeeng to sell their wares, including jewelry, clothing, candles and craft-making materials.

The powwow was a great opportunity for family reunions on the last weekend of the summer. Politics were set aside in the spirit of community unity as the M'Chigeeng band council elections were scheduled for Sept. 6.