I think black and white pictures have their place. Without the distraction of colour, a story emerges more clearly.
We arrived at Alderville's Pow Wow around 11:30 - a great time to set our chairs under one of the big tents overlooking the activities. No pictures are allowed during the Grand Entry, a solemn time where each participating nation is welcomed and the Creator is thanked. But, as soon as that was finished, phones and cameras were seen everywhere.
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Regalia was adjusted while snowcones were enjoyed.
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At first I thought to myself, "If I just sit here, everyone will walk in front of me at least once."
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_3828f632666f4d6faeab5c27aea171a9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1465,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_3828f632666f4d6faeab5c27aea171a9~mv2.jpg)
But, when the community dancing began, my camera and moved over to the grass very near the dancers. For many dances, everyone in the audience was encouraged to join in.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_b603ffecf71b42c09e48b951c561cdc2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_748,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_b603ffecf71b42c09e48b951c561cdc2~mv2.jpg)
Sweet little girls twirled around in their beautiful ribbon skirts.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_ff945e1ef9384dd9a152c93e94672238~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1742,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_ff945e1ef9384dd9a152c93e94672238~mv2.jpg)
And, even tinier ones took their dancing very seriously. It looked to me like this little girl was on a mission. Totally in her own world.
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You need to imagine the sound of the jingling skirts.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_bc56ec98625f4b1788ec8aba959b5618~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_549,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_bc56ec98625f4b1788ec8aba959b5618~mv2.jpg)
And, the sound this gentleman made when dancing. Look at his ankles.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_03346d347a674500a50e239894606eb0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1356,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_03346d347a674500a50e239894606eb0~mv2.jpg)
Eagle feathers were respectfully carried.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_5bb1c928911343179d1d5760be733e58~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1502,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_5bb1c928911343179d1d5760be733e58~mv2.jpg)
About an hour into the dancing time, a huge crowd of people danced with their partners around the circle. You can see them lining up, holding hands below.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_f8b5fd0f90404a1db5b60733a6400e27~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_f8b5fd0f90404a1db5b60733a6400e27~mv2.jpg)
Here they come.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_6ea8ab79c2dc4e95acf077976500b56e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1742,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_6ea8ab79c2dc4e95acf077976500b56e~mv2.jpg)
When they got to a certain point, they raised their arms for everyone else to go under the ever-lengthening tunnel. Some arms were longer than others.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_835afe47c34044baaf38aeafb51c3269~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1742,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_835afe47c34044baaf38aeafb51c3269~mv2.jpg)
There they come! It looked like everyone was blessing each other. So beautiful.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_a1f8b99b29ef43cbba690d402db89d22~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1259,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_a1f8b99b29ef43cbba690d402db89d22~mv2.jpg)
We tried Scone Dogs - bannock-wrapped hotdogs. Next year, I want to try wild rice pudding. It sounds so good. It's topped with whipped cream.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b1d6f6_75cce88465a24114a8e0af4119165dd5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/b1d6f6_75cce88465a24114a8e0af4119165dd5~mv2.jpg)
I can't wait to go back.
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