Powwows a time to celebrate

Page 4

Pikiskwe

Once again the dreams called me to dance in the Arbour.

It's been a long time since I danced as a Plains Cree. When I stepped into the Arbour at Poundmaker's celebration, it was like returning home to old friends.

There were warm smiles, friendly handshakes, acknowledgments to one who

has been away.

Of course, there have been changes.

In the earlier seventies, fancy dancing for women had just begun. There were

no jingle dancers west of Kenora, Ontario, and you could still see the older style of grass dancing.

The beadwork had more floral designs. Women still wore brown buckskin dresses and there were fewer eagle feathers.

As I glanced around the dancers and spectators there were many familiar faces, but many were missing.

Big Bill McNabb, Caroline Goodwill, Ernest Tootoosis to mention a few, but they were never ones to miss a good powwow. They were probably there, too.

Alright, I admit I am acting nostalgic. Today's powwows are just as exciting.

Nowadays there are more people attending these celebrations. The success of powwows is an indicator of the renewal that's taking place in Indian country. The powwows tell everyone that ours is not a museum-piece culture. It is alive, dynamic

and evolving.

So time to shake out the tent, resole the moggies, pick up that new powwow

chair, check the tires and set out for the nearest Indian Day's celebration.

It's powwow time!