WIIKWEMKOONG—The annual Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival hosted by Wiikwemkoong Tourism opened the Friday night of Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival, bringing together a cultural exchange with Six Nations Tourism (that included Smoke Dance demonstrations by both Haudenosaunee men and women) and an Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) sponsored Indigenous culinary cook-off.
“Indigenous Tourism Ontario is extremely pleased to collaborate with Wikwemikong Tourism, Six Nations Tourism and the Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations to host the inaugural Odawa M’Nis Master Chef Showdown,” said ITO CEO Kevin Eshkawkogan. “The amateur and pro chefs inspired both young and old. We look forward to sharing Indigenous stories with the world through Indigenous food at future events.”
Judges in the Master Chef Showdown included Anishinaabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, Fuel the Fire host Neil Debassige and Noojmowin Teg Child Nutrition Program Coordinator Cody Leeson.
In the professional division, the winners were Chef Joseph Shawana in first place, Chef Hiawatha Osawamick in second place and Chef Aicha Smith-Belghaba in third place.
In the amateur division, first place went to the team of Joanna Simon and Crystal Flamand, second place went to Pam Roy and David George, third place went to Natalie Neganigijig and Lauren Abel, while fourth place went to the team of Brianna Friday and Jaime Friday.
The cook-off took place as the events on the mainstage unfolded, with local piano virtuoso Mason Animikwan tinkling the ivories through a number of classical pieces, including a number he had composed himself. Mr. Animikwan, who recently graduated from high school, noted that he has also completed scoring a symphony, which he hopes to one day have performed in his home community of Wiikwemkoong.
Taking to the stage were Zigz Gaud, a Metis fiddle duo that brought out several step dancers, the music sensation Nadjiwan, hometown girl and JUNO award winner Crystal Shawanda, a Smoke Dance demonstration from Six Nations Tourism and finally, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, who packed the area in front of the stage to close out the evening.
Ms. Shawanda, always a hometown favourite, was accompanied onstage by her band, which included her husband Dewayne Strobel and daughter Zsa Zsa, who joined her mother in singing Ms. Shawanda’s hit single ‘You Can Let Go’ in a performance that pulled the heartstrings like a harp—one of the highlights of the evening.
