I shared something with the city of Cambridge on Saturday August 19th; our first Pow Wow.  The 2017 Grassroots Pow Wow was the first pow wow in the city of Cambridge and it was the first time I ever experienced a pow wow.

Due to previous commitments I didn’t stay for the entire event, but in the time I was there I learned a great deal. Most importantly I learned that I wanted to learn more.

I learned that the area where the dancing takes place is called the arena, and before the “grand entrance” it is cleansed. Once cleansed there are to be no pets in the arena.

I learned about something called “smudging” when the spirit is cleansed. It involves washing oneself with the smoke of smoldering medicines. The medicines are often cedar, sage, sweet grass and tobacco. Smudging can also be done of a house, tent, or other items and is not always about the person.

I learned that the entire process of the pow wow is bathed in tradition that contains both spiritual and human respect.

Most importantly I learned that the aboriginal people are polite, respectful and open and willing to teach anyone that is interested about their culture and traditions.

Since returning I have spent sometime surfing the net and found out a little more about the whole pow wow experience.

The physical landscape of a powwow typically involves a series of concentric circles with the drums and musicians located within the innermost section of the circle, and the dancers, audiences and vendors emanating from the centre. To many Aboriginal peoples these circles represent the centrality of the drum to their worldview; the drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth, illustrating the close connection of Aboriginal peoples to the land.

Today, powwows typically begin with a Grand Entry. Dignitaries, carrying flags representing Canada, the United States and the hosting First Nations, as well as eagle staffs and various other flags (e.g. the POW/MIA flag, the Mohawk Warrior Flag), enter the dance area followed by all the participating dancers. Once all the dancers have entered the arbor, or dance area (usually in order of dance category and age), a Flag Song (the anthem for the hosting Nation) and Veterans’ Song (to commemorate all war veterans) are sung. Next are an invocation, or prayer, and the posting of the flags, followed by greetings from local leaders.

Because of the powwow’s role in promoting cultural pride, respect and health for all, drugs and alcohol are forbidden on the powwow grounds.

Pow Wow Singing

First Nations people had songs for grieving, for birth, for joy, for prayer and for so many other significant ceremonies and events. No ceremony, feast or event could function without the prayers, dances and songs of the First Nations people. The singers, drummers and ceremonial people are treated with respect and honour for their gift of song.

They ask that no photography or filming be done during the “Grand Entrance” and I fully respected that and so there are no photographs here of that aspect of the pow wow.

At the pow wow I particularly enjoyed the music and the drums. I have since learned the significance of the drums is the representation of the heart beat of “Mother Earth”

If you have never been to a pow wow I would encourage you to do so. Take the time to speak to the people, ask questions, we’ll all be better for it.