M’CHIGEENG—The 28th annual M’Chigeeng First Nation powwow held over the Labour Day weekend was themed ‘Ka Bnaaden daa naa Gdo Anishinaabe-aadziwinaa’ (Honouring Our Traditions).
Master of ceremonies Chris Pheasant entertained the large number of visitors with stories of First Nation culture and shared the knowledge of powwow traditions.
Co-host drums Young Biisinai and Black Bull Moose were the heartbeat of the weekend, supported by guest drum groups the Wiky Drum Committee, Spirit Bear, Anishinaader Connection and Mushkwe Siiaabo.
The head male dancer was Craig Fox and the head female dancer was G’Mewin Migwans, while the young female leader was Joy Simon.
Head veteran was Bill Antonie who, along with Elaine Migwans, was also co-head elder.
The 2015-2016 Miss M’Chigeeng Jolene Debassige was present for the powwow and walked in the grand entry.
The staff carriers included Ray Corbiere with the Wikwemikong Eagle staff, Ray Jackson with the M’Niidoo M’nising Victory staff, Mawla Shawana with the Niigaanzijik staff, Garrett Peltier with the Wikwemikong Youth staff and Ron Yellowman with the Anishinaabeemowin Teg staff.