FSIN powwow a celebration of culture

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The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Cultural Celebration and Powwow took place from Oct.16 to 19, bringing together hundreds of the province's Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents for a gathering meant to foster unity, trust and understanding.

It was the second staging of the annual event, and coming at the end of a tumultuous week that saw the FSIN elect a new chief and two new vice-chiefs, it was a welcome chance for many attendees to relax and revel in the pageantry and camaraderie of the province's largest First Nations celebration.

"It is a perfect time to gather in a place of peace and harmony," said newly elected FSIN Chief Alphonse Bird in welcoming the large crowd. "What better way to do that than through a powwow?"

With the closely contested FSIN election just past, and with civic and provincial elections fast approaching, a long list of politicians and other dignitaries were on hand at the powwow, including Saskatoon's (since defeated) Mayor Jim Madden, incumbent premiere Lorne Calvert, and numerous other candidates from all the province's political parties.

Their messages of greater cooperation and increased opportunities for First Nations people were heard and appreciated. Politics, however, was a secondary aspect of the powwow- sharing and embracing Aboriginal culture was the event's predominant theme.

"We welcome you all to our circle. We extend our hands in friendship and support," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine to loud, approving applause.

Approximately 5,000 school children attended the Oct. 16 and 17 cultural workshops and demonstrations, which local school board officials feel make "a huge positive difference in attitudes and opinions." On the evening of the 17th, a gala reception was held, with entertainment provided by Tegan Littlechief and Andrea Menard. The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company wrapped up the evening with a staging of Askiy: The Land. On the 18th and 19th , the focus shifted to the powwow itself, with many of the best dancers and drum groups from across North America demonstrating their skills and competing for thousands of dollars in prizes.

Arsene Tootoosis from Poundmaker First Nation was the top-place finisher in the Men's Traditional (50+ age group) category, while Dianne McKay of Fort Qu'Appelle finished first in the Ladies' Traditional (50+) competition. Kevin Haywahe of Carry the Kettle First Nation won the Mens' Traditional Contemporary category, with Terry Brockie from Hays, Mont. winning the Mens Traditional Original and Tara Sandy of Pipestone, Man. winning in Ladies' Traditional Stationary competition.

Sekwun Ahenakew of Ahtahkakoop First Nation won in the Ladies' Traditional Walkaround category, with Randall Paskemin from Sweetgrass First Nation winning in Mens' Grass Contemporary, and Wanbli Charging Eagle of Eagle Butte, S.D. winning in Mens' Grass Original competition.

Serena Bull from Red Pheasant First Nation won in the Ladies' Jingle Contemporary competition, while Alanna Tootoosis from Poundmaker First Nation placed first in Ladies' Jingle Original, and Amos Yazzie from Farmington, N.M. won in Men's Fancy. Cheyane Baptiste of Red Pheasant First Nation claimed top spot in Ladies' Fancy Contemporary, Lisa Ewalk from Ocean Man won in the Ladies' Fancy Original competition, and Dustin Whitford from Rocky Boy, Mont. won in Men's Chicken Dance category.

Faron Desjarlais from Frog Lake, Alta. won in Teen Boys' Traditional competition, with C.J. Baker from Mandaree, N.D. placing first in the Teen Girls' Traditional category. Derek Stanley of Chitek Lake won in Teen Boys' Grass and Dabney Morin from Big River won in Teen Girls' Jingle. Milan Tootoosis of Poundmaker First Nation placed first in Teen Boys' Fancy, Alisa Ewack of Ocean Man in Teen Girls' Fancy, and Joel Tootoosis from Poundmaker placed first in Teen Boys' Chicken Dance.

In the drum categories, the Stony Park drum group took top spot in Contmporary, with the Big Bear group winning the Original.