Powwow just a part of week-long fun

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If you think the international powwow and the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards gala are the only activities worth talking about during Canadian Aboriginal Week in Toronto, you've got another think coming. In recent years, people involved in a variety of industries have taken advantage of the huge draw of festival week setting the time aside to hold gatherings of all sorts.

There was a business conference, and a language symposium. A book was launched (Brian Wright-McLeod's Encyclopedia of Native Music), as was a dance company (Santee Smith's Kaha:wi Dance Theatre.) A comedy night featured Charlie Hill, Don Burnstick and Gerry "The Big Bear" Barrett. And there was the fashion show.

From Culture to Couture provided an opportunity for six notable names in fashion to put their wares on display and raise money for a local women's shelter to help the children living there.

Adam Beach and Jennifer Podemski hosted the night that featured the work of Dorothy Grant, D'Arcy Moses, Angela DeMontigny, Pam Baker and Dene Fur Clouds. Some of the creations were interesting, while others were over-the-top, as is the style of runway shows, but the word of choice that best describes the fashions that night is spectacular. The event, however, would have benefited greatly from some commentary about the designers, the materials they were using, and the inspiration for their work.

Friday in Toronto was reserved for students of area schools to attend the Rogers Centre for lessons on all things Aboriginal. Mini cultural workshops were held in the bleachers and interactive attractions were held on the sports floor.

Children participated in such traditional games as three-way tug of war, which tests strength, endurance and desire, and Poison Circle, an elimination game that originates from the Metis voyageur days.

Young people seemed engaged and intrigued as Melvin and Rosa John told Trickster tales in a cozy tent off to one side of the tradeshow booths that served up arts and crafts for sale.

Children strolled the aisles looking for sweet treats to buy or giveaways from Native organizations hoping to raise their profile in Ontario's capital city. A demonstration of the different powwow dance styles topped of the day's activities.

Saturday saw the beginning of the competition powwow, with members of the public watching the colorful spectacle that is grand entry and enjoying the varying styles demonstrated at the drum from groups that attended from all parts of Canada.