Strawberry Pow Wow

Parishioners at St John's were excited to attend the Strawberry Pow Wow which took place on the weekend of July 16-17. Many carpooled to the event, where they were welcomed to watch or volunteer! Here some brief impressions and take-aways they would like to share from the wonderful event.

​A surprisingly “ordinary” Sunday afternoon that was just amazing. I felt very
comfortable, and strove to overhear the conversations around me. Only wished
​I knew more about “competitive” dancing. I would certainly go again. - Pat M.

​Going to the Pow Wow on Sunday was a wonderful feast for eyes and ears. I was
watching the dancing companions beside the mum of one of the dancers. She
asked if I would like to know about what I was seeing, and of course, I did.

The dancers competed in different age ranges. The regalia worn is particular to the
dance. The dances are celebration, and playful. The opening dance is grass dancing.
This helps to pat down grassland and to offer prayers in preparation for the Pow Wow.
We saw jingle dancing, which is a medicine dance. There were men’s and women’s fancy dance. These dances tell the story of the individual dancer.

The regalia of each dancer is individual to that person. The combination of natural
elements that one might have seen centuries ago combine with modern life elements
such as a shiny CD disc glinting in the head-dress of one dancer.

It was a privilege to be invited to share the shade of a tent. The pride of parents and
grandparents shone in the smiles all around. The encouragement given to each other
in the competitions was everywhere.

We have so much to learn from and about the people of this land! - MaryEllen F.

A lovely afternoon and so enjoyable. The costumes were gorgeous and the
drummers were a great contribution! Some of the dancers were also actors,
especially some of the men. They had a story to tell and it was interesting to
interpret it. There was also the feeling of a real community celebration for
young and old. So glad to have attended! - Shirley M.

Unfortunately, I did not see any of the powwow competition, but I did see a lot of
hot dogs! We were quite busy at the refreshment tent and the view to the
performance area was blocked by those watching. 

I can say, however, that the powwow was a wonderful celebration of Indigenous
culture, with dancers of all ages. The regalia were elaborate and stunning! - Karen P.