Walpole Island Powwow draws hundreds, see pics

The 19th annual spring powwow on Walpole Island has attracted many from the community to take part in a weekend filled with the traditions of First Nations culture.

The powwow features a variety of authentic crafting’s, food and dances.

Approximately 500 people attended Saturdays’ powwow held at the Walpole Island Sports Complex with the opening ceremony at 6 p.m.

The powwow was postponed from the original start time due to a funeral service for a well-respected elder and community member, Betty Blackbird.

First Nations Spring Powwow organizer Press Altiman Said it was important to honor the life of their fellow elder before beginning the celebration of the powwow.

“That’s out of respect for the family,” he said. “Our community is well rounded and well loved and she was a well loved elder, a respected elder in our community”.

Press said a lot of preparation goes into this celebration every year.

“We plan all year for this. As soon as tomorrow is done we will be asking drummers and dancers to be our leaders next year in the powwow,” he said.

Press said this gathering is a positive event for the community to get involved in and learn the First Nations culture.

“Everybody enjoys it,” he said. “Everybody shares, you make new friends and you meet old friends. At the end it’s a tough time to leave and to say goodbye. We always invite our friends and neighbors to share our culture, lifestyle and our food.”

Press said he expected the number of visitors and community members will continue to grow throughout the weekend.

This years powwow features a variety of dances including men’s traditional, men’s grass dance, men’s fancy dance, traditional women’s shawl, and women’s jingle dancers.

Here are some photos from the event:

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1 COMMENT

  1. I would like to know when the 2016 Pow Wow is scheduled for. I missed it last year and would like to bring family and friends with me this year.

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