M’CHIGEENG—Despite the rain that made a change of venues necessary for part of the event, it didn’t dampen the spirits of all those who participated in the M’Chigeeng First Nation 27th annual traditional powwow celebrating the “Good Life.”
“I would like to thank everyone for attending our 27th annual traditional powwow. Our theme for this year is the ‘Good Life.’ The good life is the way we celebrate our culture, dance, socialize, and join in fellowship and friendship,” stated Elaine Migwans, coordinator of the powwow, on Saturday evening. The powwow had begun at 1 pm earlier in the afternoon, but due to the rain falling, the festivities had been held in the M’Chigeeng arena. When the skies cleared later in the day the festivities and activities were moved back to the M’Chigeeng powwow grounds in the evening.
“It is so good to see all the young dancers along with our adults here today,” said Ms. Migwans. “And it is so nice to see so many people here taking part instead of being at home in their houses and watching television instead. We are here tonight to celebrate, communicate and socialize. All of this helps to make up a good life.”
The gathering was encouraged to honour veterans. It was pointed out that just about everyone is related to or knows someone who has fought for our freedom, and many made the ultimate sacrifice.
As each of the different dances took place in the afternoon, local experts in these forms of dance told the story behind each. For example, Alma-Jean Migwans explained the ladies’ jingle dress dance “is a healing dance.”
On Saturday evening, Ron Yellowman provided the invocation and encouraged everyone “to use the teachings and language we have been given. Use your own language as much as you can, as it is given to us to communicate,” he said.
As part of the powwow, Destinee Kaboni, Miss Wikwemikong, took part in the crowning of Miss M’Chigeeng Maria Hare. Ms. Migwans explained, “we have a young lady here tonight, Maria Hare, who is being crowned as Miss M’Chigeeng. She will be attending youth conferences and meetings in many places on behalf of M’Chigeeng. We take great pride and with admiration that she is a representative of M’Chigeeng as a role model for youth, setting goals for the future and furthering her education.”
Ms. Hare explained she is 15-years-old and is a Grade 10 student at Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS). She explained that school can be difficult at times but it is important to continue to get a good education. “I love living in M’Chigeeng and everything it has to offer like the Ojibway Cultural Foundation, Great Spirit Circle Trail and the powwow grounds.”
“I don’t have a single role model,” she said, noting she follows the Seven Grandfather teachings. “I just recently started to learn jingle dress dancing. If I make a mistake, just tell me.”
The master of ceremonies for the weekend powwow was Danny Fox and Chris Pheasant. The head elder was Alma Jean Migwans, while the area director was Falcon Migwans.
Head dancers were Adrian Abel and Jonnie Migwans-Shields, while the junior dancers included Shade Kaiser and Jolene Debassige. Head veteran was Binaasawe, while the powwow coordinator was Elaine Migwans. Head drum was Young Biisinai Singers.
Taking part in the grand entry ceremonies were M’Chigeeng Chief Joe Hare who carried the M’Chigeeng Eagle staff, Ray Corbiere with the Wikwemikong Eagle staff, Lieutenant Maggie King on behalf of veterans of the regular forces and as new commander officer of 348 Manitoulin Sea Cadets, Wayne Golden of Massey on behalf of Vietnam veterans, Ron Yellowman, Howie Debassige Veteran and regular forces for 25 years. Earling Pelletier, WWII, Korean Veteran of Wikwemikong. The head male junior dancer was Shade Kaiser while the head female junior dancer was Jolene Debassige.
On Saturday evening a fabulous fashion show was held with the fashions provided by Bruno Henri.
