By Rori Bennett – Junior Reporter
The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day, despite the extreme heat warnings, for the Walpole Island Niibing Powwow this past weekend.
Saturday events were held at High Banks Park, while the events for Sunday were relocated to the Walpole Island Sports Complex.
“Today is a beautiful day for dancing. Miigwech Ancestors,” Holly Johnston, who attended the event, told the Sydenham Current.
The event was free and Grand Entry was at 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Events included the Miss Bkejwanong Pageant, coronation ceremony, drum contest, sugar bear fancy dance special, MMIV women’s red dress dance special, as well as dancers, from tiny-tots through to golden age.
Hundreds of people lined the bleachers and grounds with blankets and lawn chairs as they took in the dancers, drummers, and singers.
Dance styles included traditional, fancy, grass, and jingle.
Vendors lined the perimeter of the powwow grounds selling everything from traditional jewellery and attire, to a variety of food and drink.
“Sometimes it’s fun to travel far for powwows, and sometimes it’s good to be home,” Shannon White, dancer and resident of Walpole Island, and mother of dancers Addyson, Xavier and Lorelai, told the Sydenham Current.
“We were right where we needed to be this weekend.”
The powwow’s master of ceremonies was Dennis Whiteye, Nim Plain was the arena director, and the head veteran was George Martin.
Walker Stonefish was the powwow’s head judge.
Jade Soney was crowned as Miss Bkejwanong 2019-2020.
Here are some photos from the event:
