The Harvest Moon Pow-Wow will take place September 12 and 13 at High Banks Park, located at 2149 River Rd. on Walpole Island.
Gates open at 10 a.m. each day, with grand entry at noon. Entry is free.
Event leadership includes MCs Beendigaygizjig (Dan) Deleary and Meeg Snake, arena director DJ White Jr., head veteran Walker Stonefish, head elder Mona Stonefish and head dancers Tina Aquash, Tyler Dashner, Hailee Pinnance and Dawson O’Neil. Host drum duties will be held by Battle Nation, with invited drums including Charging Horse, Eagle Flight, Snake Island, Snye Creek and Crazy Spirit. Dennis Whiteye will serve as head dance judge.
Specials planned for the weekend include the rebirthing of the Bkejwanong Community Eagle Staff, two head adult dancer specials, the welcoming back of a grandmother’s dress, or “strap dress,” on Bkejwanong, the Dbendaagzimi, or “We All Belong,” honour song, a baby pageant, a committee special open hand drum contest for all genders and ages, the Sugar Bear Show Down Iron Man men’s fancy dance special, and the crowning of the Bkejwanong ambassador.
Dance categories include fancy, traditional, jingle, grass and woodland, with prize money offered across adult, teen, junior, tiny tots, platinum age and golden age divisions. Adult first-place winners in the fancy, traditional, jingle and grass categories can earn $1,000, with prize amounts decreasing through fourth place.
Dancer registration is $10 online by Friday, August 28, or $20 in person, with no exceptions after that date. In-person registration closes Saturday, September 12 at noon. Registration and vendor applications can be completed by visiting www.walpoleislandfirstnation.ca/harvest-moon-pow-wow.
Vendor inquiries can be directed to Debb Sands at harvestmoon.powwow@wifn.org or by calling 519-982-8308. General questions can also be sent to harvestmoon.powwow@wifn.org.
