Wikwemikong Cultural Festival Pow Wow, Ontario

Wikwemikong Pow Wow Male Dancer on Manitoulin Island, Ontario (Canada).

I did eventually make it to Manitoulin Island in Ontario in time for the Wikwemikong Annual Cultural Festival Pow Wow. I was here to, not only learn everything I could about First Nations dance in this region, but to see the dancers in action.

In it’s 49th year, the festival was hopping with a large crowd of locals and travellers. People from France, England, Switzerland, Michigan and other parts of Canada were all represented.

The Grand Entry started off the day by signifying that the dancing and singing were about to begin. War veterans carried the Eagle Staff, which are First Nations flags, and led out all of the dancers. After the procession, an elder gave a prayer before kicking off the day of festivities.

Getting into the groove was the Inter-Tribal section, where all dancers had to enter the “arena,” a circular stage with benches all around, but it was also an opportunity for the audience to get up and try their hand at First Nations dancing.

So up I went, trying to let what I’d seen previously sink into my body. The drummers and singers started up and we all began bumping along to the beat. Colourful regalia swirled around me as all of the different types of dancers moved in their own way.

Wikwemikong Pow Wow First Nations Dancers on Manitoulin Island, Ontario (Canada).

Women and men each have three different categories to dance in, as this is a competition pow wow:

Female First Nations Dance

• Fancy Shawl Dance: The newest of the categories, this one sees women and girls wearing gorgeous shawls used like butterfly wings as they twirl on the spot and almost jig in place.
• Jingle Dress: The cones that are attached in rows along each of the dresses are said to absorb the healing power of the sun and earth. Carrying an eagle feather in one hand and the other on their hip, their feet zigzag in intricate footwork while their skirts make the jingling sound that merges beautifully with the drums.
• Traditional: This is a calmer, more serene type of First Nations dance. Each of the women keeps the drum rhythm with her eloquent steps, wearing buckskin dresses or cloth with ornate beadwork, shells and long fringes.

Men’s First Nations Dance

• Fancy Dance: Unarguably the most explosive of the dances, this entertaining and contemporary dance is a crowd favourite. The men and boys dress in flamboyant headdresses and have feather bustles on their backs to attract attention and show off their athleticism.
• Grass Dance: A freestyle, this dance sees the men almost bobbing their heads while weaving their bodies, all the while staying smooth. Each of the steps has to be repeated on both the right and left feet.
• Traditional: As opposed to the women’s traditional, where they slow down and show their elegance, the men are on a hunt. They must act as brave warriors who wear large porcupine headdresses and a back feather bustle, making for an interesting story.

Wikwemikong Pow Wow Inter-tribal Dance on Manitoulin Island, Ontario (Canada).

What I Liked:

• It was a wonderful experience to get up and join in on the dancing. Not just because it was fun but because the feeling of being immersed in these spiritual people, wearing their traditional regalia, is a powerful thing. It was grounding and quite intoxicating.
• There is a great variety of food available at the festival. Most is First Nations, like Indian tacos, scones and moose burgers, but there are also hot dogs, rice with veggies and cheeseburgers. My favourite stall was the Osawamick’s Family Tradition vendor, where I found the food more healthy and less fried. Although I do love those fried scones…
• The Tiny Tots dance was adorable! Those under 5 years old got to dance in their full regalia and they each got $5 for their efforts. Another crowd favourite.