The Neyaashiinigmiing Powwow is back this weekend at Cape Croker Park.
Celebration Coordinator Tracy Boortz-Siegworth says that August 18-20th is going to be a weekend full of food, dancing, Indigenous crafts, and celebration.
“We’re actually expecting a full house here. We’ve been working hard to revitalize our traditional powwow. The word is out and we’re expecting lots [of people].”
All of the vendor spaces for the weekend’s festivities have been booked, and vendors are also already asking about next year’s event.
The weekend is a way to celebrate the spirit of community and honour veterans, especially after the pandemic.
“It’s revitalizing in getting people to come back, and vendors to come back, and dancers to come back, and bringing in the good spirits of the powwow.”
The Host Drum is Charging Horse, and the co-host is Smoketrail Singer.
Head dancer Bryden Kiwenzie is a 2017 Juno Award nominee for Indigenous Music Album of the Year for his debut album Round Dance & Beats (Powwow), and he will also be performing Friday night.
Boortz-Siegworth says that her favourite part of a weekend like this one is the chance to meet up with family and friends.
“I love the family on the powwow trail. Being that it’s my community and we get to host, and they come to our community. I like seeing my friends and visiting family, and this is when we all get to catch up.”
She says it’s particularly important because Neyaashiinigmiing wasn’t able to have a powwow for a couple of years because of COVID, and coming out of the pandemic was only able to have a one-day event last year.
It all starts on Friday with an open mic night and concert from 6-10 pm, with fireworks to follow.
There will be Grand Entries on Saturday at noon and 7 pm, as well as on Sunday at noon.
There will not be an ATM on-site, so visitors are reminded to bring cash.
Dogs are not allowed unless they are service animals.
Admission is free for children 5 and under and elders 55 and up, and $5 per person for everyone in between.
Parking is free, but donations are accepted.