St. Clair Catholic students and staff had the opportunity to experience and honour the harvest season Wednesday at the Corn Moon Powwow, hosted at St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Wallaceburg.
The social gathering brought people together to dance, sing and celebrate, with the Corn Moon Powwow recognizing the season of harvest. Students from St. Elizabeth, Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig Elementary in Walpole Island and Ursuline College Chatham attended all day, while senior students from Christ the King, Holy Family and Sacred Heart Port Lambton participated in the afternoon.
“It’s a celebration of life,” said Cedric Isaac of Bkejwanong Territory. “When the students leave here, I hope they learn to respect the songs, where they came from, and respect our people in general because we’re sharing. We’re sharing our beliefs, our music and our dances.”
The day began with an honouring of residential school survivors, family members of survivors, and those who never made it home.
Students watched the drummers, singers and dancers from Bkejwanong Territory, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Eelūnaapéewi Lahkéewiit and Chippewas of the Thames First Nation with excitement and curiosity. Performers showcased a variety of powwow dance styles, including traditional, fancy and jingle dances, and students had the chance to join in and participate in spot dances.
Isaac, who works with St. Clair Catholic schools to teach students about Indigenous culture, said dance is a powerful way to connect with youth. “Music to them is special, rather than just lecture, we dance for ourselves, but we also dance for people who can’t dance. I hope they realize it feels good to dance. Don’t be ashamed of who you are, and don’t be ashamed of who we are.”
Students also explored a variety of interactive stations, including a display on trapping, fishing and hunting with Rocky and Jesse Sands as well as Jordan Ermatinger, and a hands-on corn husk activity with Leighann Isaac. Another station featured the canoe from the CBC film “Canoe, Carry Me Home,” by Anishinaabe filmmaker Derek Sands of Bkejwanong Territory. St. Clair Catholic’s Gizhwaasod, Coaching for Youth Success, team also led interactive tables to connect with students through games.
“This is a real testament to partnership,” said St. Clair Catholic CEO/CEdO Lisa Demers. “We are so grateful to have Indigenous partners that are here to celebrate the season together and to share their knowledge with all of our students.”
Several students shared their gift of dance and leadership with their fellow students, including Hailee Pinnance, Miss Bkejwanong, who performed the women’s fancy dance; Xander White of Bkejwanong Territory, a Grade 11 UCC student who served as male head dancer; Cypress Deleary of Bkejwanong Territory, a former Miss Potawatomi who served as female head dancer; Maddox Whiteye of St. Elizabeth, a youth grass dancer; Miah Jacobs of St. Elizabeth, a youth fancy dancer; and Charleigh Jacobs of St. Elizabeth, a youth jingle dancer. UCC’s Kidwin Zhiiwngaak flag carriers were Malcolm Kicknosway, Athena Williams, Aurora Williams, Aysha Holland and Ashlynn Druer-Shipman.
