Cultural celebration and powwow attracts hundreds

Page 2

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) annual Cultural Celebration and Powwow took place from Oct. 18 to 20 at Saskatoon's SaskPlace, drawing dancers, singers and spectators from across North America.

One of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, the powwow attracted hundreds of participants, and hundreds more turned out to watch the pageantry and passion of the dancers, and to learn more about the rich heritage of First Nations people.

"This is a cultural extravaganza and powwow that is not only exciting and entertaining, but that begins to bridge the cultural gap between First Nations and the people of the province," said FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde. "It is the Federation's hope that this event will begin to provide the public of Saskatchewan with a clearer understanding of our treaties and how those treaties are relevant to all of us, even today."

With this focus in mind, the first day of the event was devoted to cultural awareness. The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) Dance Theatre held three performances for the many local school groups in attendance, sharing the philosophy and history of the First Nations through poetic words and traditional dance. The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company also staged three performances of Askiy, a play by Mark Dieter that examines the long history of Aboriginal people in a sometimes funny, sometimes serious, and often poignant way.

"Sharing is an important aspect of First Nations culture," said Irene Oakes, FSIN chief of staff and committee chair for the event. "We view this event as an exciting opportunity to share our diverse culture and traditions."

While Friday was primarily a day of sharing, learning and reflection, the focus for Saturday and Sunday was entirely on music and dance. The powwow competition featured 23 dance categories in four age divisions, with winners in each category sharing in the $45,000 total prize purse.

In the golden age (50+) division, the male winner was Frank McKay of Sioux Valley, Man. and the female winner was Evelyn Tom of Whitefish Bay, Ont. The adult (18-49) division featured eight categories: Kevin Haywahe of Carry The Kettle First Nation won in men's traditional, Kimowan Ahenakew of Ahtahkakoop First Nation won in ladies' traditional, Ron McNabb from Touchwood Agency won men's grass, Alana Tootoosis of Poundmaker First Nation won in ladies' jingle, Lazz Roan of Pigeon Lake, Alta. won in men's fancy, Trisha Albert of Saskatoon won in ladies' fancy, Dustin Whitford of Rocky Boy, Mo. won in men's chicken, and Diane McKay of Fort Qu'Appelle won in ladies' old style fancy.

The teen (13-18) and youth (6-13) divisions were also hotly contested, with the youthful vigour of all the competitors making the choice of winners especially difficult. For the teens, Troy Cross of Frog Lake, Alta. won boys' traditional, C. J. Baker of Mandaree, N.D. won girls' traditional, Nathan Mitsuing from Loon Lake won boys' grass, Emma Malnourie of Bismark, N.D. won girls' fancy, Rylan Baker of New Town, N.D. won boys' fancy, Shianne Baptiste from Red Pheasant First Nation won in girls' fancy, and Sheldon Scalplock Jr. from Siksika First Nation, Alta. won boys' chicken dance.

For the youth, Steven Redman of Standing Buffalo First Nation won boys' traditional, Kayla McArthur of White Bear First Nation won girls' traditional, Cree White Taylor from Sioux Valley, Man. won boys' grass, Gracie McArthur of White Bear First Nation won in girls' jingle, Navrone Thunderchild of Thunderchild First Nation, won in boys' fancy, and Summer Morin from Big River First Nation, won in girls' fancy.

In addition to the dancers, over two dozen drum groups took part in the powwow, with the Black Stone group from Sweetgrass First Nation capturing the $3,000 top singing prize.