Labour Day powwow tradition brings families home

Page 9

Anishinabe warriors took centre stage at the 15th annual Labour Day weekend powwow in M'Chigeeng. A special presentation was made to honor First Nations veterans who fought in Europe and Asia.

Sucker Creek Elder, Ernest "Smitty" McGraw was on hand to read a poem acknowledging the sacrifices of Manitoulin Island veterans. He paid tribute to the men who served in the frontlines, and assured their families that they would never be forgotten.

"We should not forget them," McGraw said. "We need to keep on honoring them and hold on to this tradition, even though some of them have gone on to the spirit world."

Non-Native war veterans were asked to participate in the Grand Entry this year as well. Larry Lane, representing the Gore Bay Legion branch, thanked the powwow committee for including all Island veterans in the event. "It is nice to be invited here," he said. "Thank you for remembering all the veterans. It was one hell of an experience over there, but hopefully we'll never see another war."

Powwow committee member Don T. C. Cada feels the theme "Walking With Our Veterans" is very important to the community. "We want to show that war has no boundaries as far as the human race is concerned," he said. "We need to honor all the races, red, white, black and yellow. We need to dance together to honor all our comrades who fell. We need to dance for all those who went on to the spirit world."

Any man or woman who enlisted, even if they never went overseas, is considered a veteran, Cada pointed out. "They are still veterans in our eyes," he said. "They took three or four years out of their lives and were prepared to die for our country."

Since a powwow is traditionally a time for family reunions, the Bebonang family of M'Chigeeng gathered for a special occasion Saturday. Louise Bebonang, aged 85, joined members of her extended family in the dance circle. Flanked by head dancers Joan Scanlon and Mel Madahbee, the group enjoyed the music of the Ska Nodin, Shadokii and Gathering Thunder drum groups.

After many months of planning, powwow organizer Elaine Migwans was pleased with the great weather and the large turn-out. "

We work all year to get ready for this celebration," she says. "It is a community event, so the preparation goes on year-round with raffles and fund raising. We have enormous support from the chief and council. It is really good when everyone pulls together."