M’CHIGEENG—Those entering the Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) gymnasium on Thursday, May 16 were met with the words “Honesty,” “Respect,” “Wisdom,” “Truth,” “Humility,” “Bravery” and “Love” displayed on the walls. These words are the Seven Grandfather Teachings, something the MSS powwow would be honouring in the coming hours.
The powwow, organized by school staff member Karen McGraw, is an annual event that invites students and community members to participate. This year, students, dancers, and drum groups from several communities came together to celebrate.
The powwow began at 12:30 pm with the Grand Entry, which consisted of flag bearers, dancers, elders, school faculty and MSS students. The group made their way around the room with those in the front carrying Eagle Staffs. These staffs are adorned with eagle feathers and represent different communities. One of the Eagle Staff bearers from Aundeck Omni-Kaning, Mandy McGraw, is the first woman in her community to have the honour of carrying the Eagle Staff. Mandy says she carries it at ceremonies like this one as a beacon for youth looking to follow and take pride in their culture if they choose to.
After the Grand Entry, there was an opening prayer given by Josh Eshkawkogan followed by a land acknowledgment delivered by Principal David Wiwchar. Lastly, Leslie Fisher, a representative from the Rainbow District School Board, gave some opening remarks before the dances began.
Next, the head dancers, Sonya Jacko-Cywink, Pahquis Trudeau and Kalli Jones, were introduced and began the first dance to the beats of the drum circles. Soon, audience members were invited to join in on Intertribal dances. The bleachers emptied as students, from both elementary and high schools got on their feet to join the head dancers. The sound of drum beats, voices, footsteps, and bells from jingle dresses filled the room as everyone danced around the drum circles. Some of these dances were spot dances, where one lucky person standing in a specific area when the music stopped won five dollars delivered by powwow emcee and Grade 10 student Taylor Goodfellow.
After, there was a Two-Step dance. The Two-Step asks participants to partner up and follow the head dancers. The line of partners circled the gym and eventually made a tunnel by raising their hands above their heads. The dance’s finale culminated in all dancers joining hands and running towards the centre of the room. Other dances included a special dance for those graduating this year, age categories, and a dance for women in regalia.
Participants follow the head dancers in the Two-Step dance.
It was during the powwow when Principal Wiwchar got up to the microphone to deliver the important message of Karen McGraw’s retirement.
“Karen McGraw joined us here at Manitoulin Secondary School on October 9th of 1995,” Mr. Wiwchar says, “her impact on the school has reached far beyond the individual students she serves so well.” Ms. McGraw is the lead organizer of multiple school-wide feasts along with the annual powwow. She works with the student leadership group, the Three-Fires Council, to raise funds for this event through scone dog and taco days. Additionally, Ms. McGraw holds several positions at the school board and union level, enriching education and working conditions.
“Karen brings her students to the vibrant greenhouse for a period each day and has always looked for ways to enhance student opportunities in her service on the School Council. Congratulations on your well-earned retirement, Karen,” Mr. Wiwchar concluded.
Staff members who worked with Ms. McGraw, alongside the powwow dancers, showed their appreciation and respect for her by dancing to an Honour Song.
When asked, Ms. McGraw said that her favourite part of organizing the powwow for the last 29 years is seeing students from all over Manitoulin get up to dance. From this, a lesson she has learned is to always keep smiling.
The MSS powwow is more than just an annual event, it is a celebration of unity, culture and community. A thank you goes out to all the volunteers, dancers, drummers and community members who made this special day possible.
by Alexandra Wilson-Zegil
