M’CHIGEENG—Students, staff and members of the Island community gathered at the Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) gym last week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the school’s traditional powwow.
Principal Laurie Zahnow welcomed all to the special event, congratulating everyone for making “20 years happen.” The principal noted that celebrating success is important and encouraged everyone to think about their own individual successes. “Think about it and be proud of it.”
Ms. Zahnow told the audience that this year’s powwow was thanks to the hard work and dedication of Robin and Grace Debassige of the Three Fires Confederacy under the direction of Mrs. McGraw.
Flag carriers for the anniversary powwow were Tyson Otosquaiob, Dillon Dunlop, Nathan Bush and Caleb Blackbird. Head dancers were Jolene Debassige and Shane Kaiser. Special guests at the powwow were youngsters from M’Chigeeng and Sheguiandah First Nations.
Powwow emcee Paul Owl, of the Serpent River First nation, kept the audience in stitches with his constant jokes and banter.
Audience engagement was the order of the day with plenty of intertribal dances and specials, such as spot dances and the potato dance, which paired dancers and dared them to keep a potato between their foreheads while making their way around the dance arena, all while obeying the commands of Mr. Owl, such as “now raise your left foot.” The competition was stiff (or starchy), but the winners were named as Mr. Theijsmeijer and Mr. Balfe.
