Powwow held in central Toronto

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This year's Riverdale Park powwow in honour of National Aboriginal Day kicked off with a $2,000 cheque presentation to arena director Derrick Bressette by the Ontario regional office of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Bressette accepted the cheque on behalf of the Native Men's Residence (Na-Me-Res), which sponsored the Toronto powwow.

Asked what he thought about the creation of National Aboriginal Day, Bressette said later, "It's about time. It's a day of recognition. It finally recognizes who we are as Native people and what we've contributed. Hundreds of people are here today, and they recognize that."

The host drum at the June 21 powwow was Toronto-based Morningstar River. The Eagleheart drum and the Tall Pines singers, both from Toronto, were invited. Martina Osawamick and Les Harper were head dancers. The eagle staff was carried into the dance circle during grand entry by Eagleheart lead singer Jimmy Dick. Elder Lillian Pitawanakwat gave the opening prayer, which was followed by the cheque presentation.

Earlier that day, Dick, an employee of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, had been presented with a framed copy of the city of Toronto's official proclamation of National Aboriginal Day, signed by Mayor Mel Lastman. Although the federal government declared National Aboriginal Day in 1996, Toronto did not officially proclaim the day until this year.

According to Harper, who was born in Toronto but who has family ties to Saddle Lake, Alta., "It's nice that they're finally recognizing it. But every day, every weekend, is a celebration for us. It's always good to celebrate. Today doesn't feel any different."

The powwow featured free hamburgers courtesy of Na-Me-Res, information tables staffed by various Aboriginal organizations, and a range of vendors including clothing designers, artisans, and craftspeople. The day's activities included a sunrise ceremony, traditional breakfast, baseball games, and children's activities. A feast and giveaway was held after the powwow.

A group of 10 homeless or under-housed people from the Meeting Place drop-in centre attended the powwow with Meeting Place program worker Pedro Cabezas, a Mayan originally from El Salvador. The 500-plus crowd included people from every cultural background.

Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, the Queen's representative in Canada , attended the powwow on behalf of the federal government.

Clarkson and her husband, scholar and writer John Ralston Saul, danced alongside Osawamick and Harper during an honour song.

"All the peoples, in every direction, the red, the black, the white, and the yellow, deserve to stand in the circle with us. That's what makes the circle whole," said Pitawanakwat.

Leona Beauvillier, who is from northwestern B.C. but now lives in Toronto, said, "National Aboriginal Day is only one day, but I look forward to it. It's a day to be proud of."