July 31st

Come Together

An afternoon of powwow 

As a child growing up in the 1970s, my Hollywood-inspired exposure to Indigenous people included images dominated by buckskin regalia and feather headdresses, drumming, and dancing. I could have easily identified the stereotypes, but I had no idea of the role that any of these identifiers really played within the Indigenous community. They were simply the uniform and associations I had come to expect based on TV shows and media portrayals.

A few weeks ago I joined Suzanne Gross and a few others for a Bridge Building excursion to the Enoch Cree Nation Powwow just west of Edmonton. It was a fascinating experience!  For the first time I saw these images in context—not appropriated by European-background powers for entertainment but reclaimed by Indigenous peoples and serving the cultural expression of their communities.

As I sat in the stands for the afternoon and witnessed the proceedings, I found myself reflecting on the experience and its parallels—and contrasts—with other more familiar experiences I have had:

• It was like a worship service! As I looked at the program for the afternoon I was surprised to see the first thing on the agenda was a Prayer of Invocation. Ritual and symbolism were prominent features, with an Emcee moving proceedings along as well as sharing context and meaning. Throughout the afternoon spiritual imagery was unmistakeable, with repeated reference made to Creator. It even featured memorial times, when prominent leaders from the community were remembered and celebrated for their contributions to the community.
• It was like a Songfest!  Music was a prominent feature of the afternoon, with drumming circles providing the beat and vocal accompaniment for the dancers. Groups of musicians ringed the central dance arena, with performers from different Indigenous bands taking turns leading out as the emcee called out their names.
• It was like a family reunion! It was obvious that many of the dancers and audience knew each other. Over the course of the afternoon we struck up conversations with those sitting beside us. We learned that two young girls and their family were from B.C. and were not only eager to dance in their age category but also to visit with relatives and see other friends old and new.
• It was an inclusive experience! The dancing featured multi-generational participation. The Grand Entry opened the afternoon with participants of all ages, from toddler to senior, parading into the main dance arena and circling over and over until all were present. Categories of performance were listed from Junior to Golden Age. While the procession had its order and moved together to the beat of the drum, each dancer moved with unique steps and movement, and each dancer’s regalia was personalized with everything from the traditional feathers to neon streamers.

It was also inclusive in the welcome we felt. It was clear that this was a gathering of many groups from all over, and the door was open. While people did not flock to us like a group of outsiders, those around were ready to acknowledge our presence and engage in conversation.

• It was a celebration focused on healing. Throughout the afternoon the guiding comments of the Emcee made it clear this was a key connection of the dance and music, the coming together of community and Creator. The event was an opportunity for individuals and communities to gather and be impacted wherever they may be on the healing journey.

My one afternoon in the audience at a powwow gave me only a sliver of insight into what events like these are all about. What I received from this Bridge Building opportunity was an intriguing glimpse into common aspects of what it means to come together, whether in Indigenous settings or my own church communities. It also challenged me to learn more, to be curious about the many ways things were also very different from anything I have ever been a part, and to learn more about the people for whom they are so important. Above all, it honoured (and humbled) me with the sense of being welcomed into a setting that provides a step towards the journey of healing and reconciliation we all need.

Suzanne brought saskatoons to share. 

The program (Tim was there from 12 noon until about 4:30 p.m.)