Wanuskewin inaugural powwow a success

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A fresh new layer was added to the history of Wanuskewin during a three-day celebration of its first traditional powwow.

This old style gathering, held outdoors under a natural arbor made of spruce boughs and lodge poles, turned out to be a veritable mini-United Nations, with visitors from all over the world enjoying one of Canada's most famous national historical sites, archeological treasures and centre of Aboriginal cultural rebirth.

Hospitality, second to none, included fun and festivities of an old time powwow. Some of the finest traditional Native food this side of the Saskatchewan River was served in large white tents that provided shelter and a place to sit down to enjoy bannock, bison stew, Saskatoon berry pie and muskeg tea, while admiring a large display of Native crafts.

Along with the children's activities, campfires, lodges and tipis, visitors were able to explore a large number of winding trails and interpretive sites nestled along the Opimihaw Creek in the beautiful Meewasin Valley. A bison jump site, buffalo rubbing stone and a 1,500- year-old medicine wheel were also in sight.

"The great thing about a traditional powwow," explained interpretive host Steven Stone, "is that it is so relaxed, the pressure of competition is gone and the people are here to enjoy themselves and have a good time."

The opening ceremonies included an early morning sweat lodge, flag raising, pipe offering, prayers and a ground blessing by the grass dancers, who traditionally stomp down the grass in the arbor for the other dancers to follow.

The dance categories which included intertribal, traditional, grass, jingle, fancy and tiny tots, were also livened up by the addition of the all nations dance special, the boy/girl switch and the owl dance.

The all nations dance special was a big hit with the crowd featuring the fresh talents of newcomers Gordon McInnes, Murray Challain, Reanne Letourneau and Ruby Wieder, who borrowed pieces of regalia and did their best to get into the spirit of the occasion.

It was the boy/girl switch dance that brought down the house.

Misty Blue Bear Woman and Terrance Little Tent switched regalia as did Kristy Yuzicapi, Laughing Horse Sutherland, Michelle Lonechild, Lenny Kinistino, Waylon Littletent and Rob McNab (resplendent in a hot pink satin shawl and bandanna that brought on wolf whistles of appreciation from the crowd).

As commentators Mike Hotinin and Jason Goodstriker put it, "These guys have things shaking that aren't supposed to be shaking, and nothing shaking in places where there's supposed to be something shaking."

"The Switchdance brings laughter to an otherwise serious traditional dance and is just meant for fun," explained Tonia Ackerman from Browning, Montana.

Whoever does the best imitation of the other's category usually wins, especially if it is done in a lighthearted manner.

"I remember my father who was 6'3" tall putting on my mother's dress and how it would hang high above his knees, and how she was so tiny, at 5'1" and his big grass dancing outfit would just hang on her. Each tribe has different customs and traditions and it's great how they all just blend in at a Powwow." added Ackerman.

The spirit of the bison was honored by two dancers from Saskatchewan, Darwin Atcheynum from Sweet Grass and Norman Moyah from Thunderchild First Nation. They each wore horned hats, hoof rattles, bison hair and buffalo hide shields, over buckskin warshirts decorated with beads and quillwork.

Couples were honored in the owl dance, which has a round dance beat and gives traditional dancers a rare opportunity to team up with their mates in full regalia.

The first powwow at Wanuskewin had a very traditional heart, presided over by four women. Elders, Maggie Black Kettle, Dolly Neapetung, Janet Silverquill and Amy Stonechild, who gave their blessings and prayers at the Keematch Girls Initiation, lead all of the young girl dancers in a clockwise circle (following the path of thesun) to honor the spirit and wisdom of Mother Earth.

The great thing about a traditional powwow, especially one held in so beautiful and pre-historic site like Wanuskewin, is the chance to have lots of fun, dance up a storm and share the culture with the rest of the world.