Show of appreciation from grateful community

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A grateful Native community has donated $300 to an agency that is one of its own biggest supporters. The gesture was aimed to show appreciation for financial and social support received over many years.

Toronto's Native Canadian Centre is helped by many individuals and organizations in providing the Native community of Toronto with cultural, social, recreational and spiritual outlets, but the United Way is one of the most long-standing partners in providing these services. So it was fitting that the centre chose to recognize United Way's 40 years of service to Toronto's Native community at their second annual Youth Powwow, which was held the weekend of May 17 and 18.

More than 800 people gathered at the centre, not only to enjoy numerous events such as drumming, singing and dancing, but also to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. The admission proceeds will be used to support youth activities at the centre.

Ryan McMahon, 26, an Ojibwe from the Couchiching Nation near Lake of the Woods, is the youth co-ordinator at the centre and was the powwow organizer.

McMahon said the United Way of Greater Toronto has been "funding this agency for 40 years," and that a Blanket Dance would be performed during the two-day powwow in order to give something back to their staunchest supporter.

Robert Adams, executive director of the Native Canadian Centre, said the "four young girls" carrying the blanket and dancing to the singing of Bear Creek, the co-host drum, were picked by the community. The blanket was danced around the hall. As it passed, donations were dropped into it.

The people were reminded the beat of the drum is not only the heartbeat of the Native people, but also of Mother Earth.

They heard that traditionally a powwow is a way of keeping the traditional rituals, rich culture and heritage of the First Nations people alive. It's also a social and spiritual reconnection with Mother Earth and to each other.

The audience rose as the grand entry began, with the entrance of war veterans presentingthe host nations' Eagle staff, the flags of visiting nations, and then the United Way flag. The Elders, adults and finally children entered the hall, amid the robust drumming and singing. Their colourful regalia included Eagle feather fans, and adorning the regalia of the jingle dancers were hundreds of softly tinkling metal bells.

Grass dancers enacted their timeless grass-flattening dance as when they ceremonially prepare a site upon which their tribe will settle.

Adams said that a feast, which was also held the evening of May 18, was for the late Margaret George, "in honor of her gift" to the centre as well. George, an Ojibway, lived her entire life in Toronto and "left the value of her estate" to the centre when she passed on.

Attending the powwow was Elder Rose Logan Pitawanakwat, 60, her daughter Roseanne Gaudet, 37, and her almost-four-year-old grand-daughter Kyla. They are from Wikwemikong reserve on Manitoulin Island. Gaudet, who dressed in a traditional Jingle dress passed down from her mother, said they really enjoyed the two-day powwow.

Also attending the youth powwow was Viola Trudeau, an Ojibwe from Wikwemikong, her daughter Theresa Johnson, 39, and grandson Kyle, 8, both of Toronto. Trudeau said she had been visiting her daughter "since Easter" and was enjoying the powwow as well.

Johnson said the best part of the powwow is "getting up and dancing."