WIKWEMIKONG––The Wikwemikong traditional powwow returned to its roots at Thunderbird Park last weekend.
“I would just like to recognize that this powwow has come full circle since beginning here and then travelling to each community before returning,” said head elder Willie Trudeau. “I would like to thank all the communities that have hosted the traditional powwow over the years.”
Wikwemikong’s mid-June traditional powwow is hosted by one of the community’s satellite communities each year so the venue changes annually and has included Buzwah, Kaboni, South Bay, Murray Hill and Rabbit Island over the years.
Wikwemikong Chief Duke Peltier thanked everyone for attending the pow wow and encouraged visitors to enjoy their time in the community.
“Welcome everyone,” said Chief Peltier. “From myself and council, thank you for attending today and thank you elders for your support and guidance.”
Master of Ceremonies for the powwow was Dan Fox, assisted by co-host Lucas Jacko. Arena Director was Robert Stoneypoint, while the head fire keeper was Ray Jackson. Host drum was the Eagleheart Singers and co-host was the Thunder Earth Singers. Other drum groups included Blackball Moose Singers, White Stone Cree, Biimsko Nodin, Young Bissiniai, Haigh Eagle and Much Kwegahbo.
The held elders were Marie and Willie Trudeau, head veteran was Bnaaswi Biiaawah and head dancers were Marcetta Jones and Tim McGregor.
This years princesses were Autumn Peltier (Jr. Miss Wikwemikong) Sierra Peltier (Little Miss Wikwemikong and Natalie Restoule (Miss Wikwemikong).
Carrying the Wikwemikong Veterans WWII Staff was head veteran Bnaaswi Biiaawah. The Warrior Staff was carried by Henry Eshkibok, the Conubjiin Community Eagle Staff by Isaac Day, the Wikwemikong Community Eagle Staff by Chief Duke Peltier, the Grandfather Eagle Staff by Clear Sky, the Youth Staff by Brian Peltier, the Wiky Eagle Staff by Raymond Corbiere, the Anishinaabemowin-teg Staff by Ron Yellowman Redwillow, the MIA (Missing in Action)/POW (Prisoner of War) Staff by Will Moran, the Canadian Flag by Donovan Peltier and the United States flag by Raymond Jackson.
Among the almost 100 dancers were several new powwow dancers who took part in a special coming out ceremony, marking their first powwow dance.
One of these dancers was four-year-old Trinity Cheechoo of Wikwemikong.
“I’m very excited,” Trinity told The Expositor. “I’m a jingle dancer and I learned from watching other dancers.”
