Mattagami First Nation hosted its 12th annual powwow August 15-16, with a great turnout of family, friends and visitors.
In her opening address, Chief Jennifer Constant thanked the community for their support, the powwow planning committee for their hard work, volunteers for joining in and all the performers, singers and dancers for their participation.
“A powwow is more than an event on a calendar. It is a coming together of generations. It is a place where our young people can see themselves in our culture, where our Elders can share their knowledge, where families reconnect, and where we celebrate who we are as Anishinaabe people,” said Chief Constant.
The gathering was held on newly landscaped powwow grounds on Friday and Saturday but was moved indoors to the gymnasium due to rain on Sunday.
“We couldn’t have done this without the help, support and organization of so many people, including our planning committee and all the volunteers who worked hard this weekend. There were no major problems, and we were happy with how everything came together,” said councillor Kourtney Baulne, who was on the planning committee.
The powwow keeps growing every year and there was a notable increase in the number of vendors, visitors and performers who took part.
Vendors lined the powwow grounds, selling traditional crafts and products and providing food and drinks. A community feast was held on Saturday evening featuring locally harvested food, including moose, deer and fish, all prepared by head cooks Larry Naveau, Jessica Naveau and Dan Secord.
The organizers focused on supporting youth participation, especially within their home community.
“It feels good to see so many more young people wanting to join these gatherings by becoming dancers but also in making their own regalia. Several youth joined this tradition through their first ceremonial events this year,” said councillor Sue Prince.
Elders came from the Wabun and Mushkegowuk territory in northeastern Ontario to show their support. On Sunday, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin arrived with his family, after visiting the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation powwow, near Matheson.
“We wanted to take this time to bring our grandchildren to see the powwows in Abitibi and in Mattagami,” he said. “These events are important for our people to get together, especially for our young people. It feels good to see grandchildren taking part, having fun and celebrating our culture and heritage.”