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Urban powwow combines education and spirituality

Most dancers make their intricately decorated regalia by hand. Photo: TC Media – Sara King-Abadi

The rhythmic pounding of taut leather drums could be heard from blocks away as you approached Red Urban Project’s third annual Montreal powwow at Vanier College campus last weekend.

The urban powwow, in conjunction with the Vanier Indigenous Circle, is a chance for anyone to learn more about the First Nations tradition. Indeed, when the emcee asked the packed circle if this was their first powwow, there were a lot of hands that went up.

“I’m very into my culture and I like sharing [it] and educating people the best that I can,” explained organiser Al Harrington. “We do get a lot of people that come in who have never been to a powwow. They ask a lot of questions.”

Over 60 dancers and seven drum groups of more than 10 nations came from across Canada to participate, many donning intricate handmade regalia. “We dance for the creator and mother earth and we dance for the people,” he explained.

A common misconception of the tradition is that it’s a kind of festival or party, but drugs and alcohol are not permitted, according to Harrington. “There is a lot of stereotype about us. This teaches that we’re just like everybody else. Every other culture.”

Powwows are important to give First Nations the place they deserve, said Minister for Native Affairs, Geoffrey Kelly at the Grand Entry that opened the powwow. Kelley was joined by Saint-Laurent Mayor, Alan DeSousa and members of his council as well as Verdun borough councilor Sterling Downey.

The tradition is especially important since they were not always permitted by law, stressed Kelley. In the late 18th century, powwows and other Aboriginal cultural and religious activities were illegal in Canada and the United States.

For dancers like Pemptuk’iklentuk, who came from Sorel to dance at the powwow, the tradition is spiritual. “I try to feel the connection to Mother Earth. It brings me back to where I’m supposed to be,” she said.

For her, the urban powwow is a good way to break Native stereotypes. “It brings all the non-natives around and teaches them what we are and who we are.”

Harrington hopes people will be more educated at the end of the day.

 

 

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