Hiawatha First Nation Powwow

This powwow has been on our radar for a couple of years. One reason is that we used to camp on the grounds when it was a provincial park - Serpent Mounds. It's been around 35 years since we camped there! The park is long gone, but the peaceful feeling everywhere.

We were hungry. Ted chose a bison stew with fry bread. I went crazy and had Taco 'n' Bag. Yum. There were around 10 or 12 food vendors, some with very long lines of people waiting to be served.

Below is a small sampling of the other vendors.

We were fortunate to get a seat on a grandstand that was close to all of the action. This powwow draws folks from all over Ontario and beyond. There was even a man from Peru and another from Belgium. The dance arena was the site of many different dances.... always walking in a clockwise direction.

We saw a few intertribal dances. Anyone can dance in an intertribal dance.

Think of the hours it took to make this person's regalia.

This little guy took the children's dance opportunity seriously.....

.... and this one seemed to be happy holding the hand of someone he loves. Even the smallest children danced. They are not allowed to be carried in the dance arena because folks only carry objects there that they are willing to give away. Carrying a child into the arena would indicate that you wish to return that child to the creator. (from the Powwow pamphlet)

When I asked if I was allowed to take pictures, I was told that pictures can be taken of dancers freely, but if you want to take a picture of someone outside the dance arena, you need to get their permission first. Fair enough.

Aren't these stunning mocassins?

We really enjoyed the peaceful, family-oriented event. It was beautiful.

Beauty and reality on a mound near Rice Lake.

"No More Stolen Sisters"