Millbrook Powwow 2007

I had the pleasure of attending a Powwow last Saturday. Although I wasn't familiar with the customs of such an event, Cathy Martin, an independent filmmaker and member of the Millbrook community, was on hand to provide visitors with an orientation -- the do's and don'ts, and some background on various elements.

(Orientations are arranged through the Tatamagouche Centre -- tata.ca -- for all Powows in NS and NB.)

Helpful tips included not asking to use someone's drum -- it'd be like asking to borrow someone's toothbrush. We were also warned away from picking up any feathers that we might see on the ground although it'd be a good idea to point it out to someone who could do something about it. Because eagle feathers are sacred -- the eagle soars high and is, therefore, closer to the Creator -- a ceremony must be performed before an eagle feather can be lifted from the ground. Everyone tries to never allow their feathers touch the ground. It was also pointed out to us that no one with alcohol or drugs in their system is allowed to dance or approach the sacred fire.

The atmosphere was extremely welcoming. There were people in attendance from around the world, literally. Young people from the YMCA's multi-cultural society were there as was a group from Africa organized through St. FX University.

The Powwow took place in an open field. Vendors set up their displays along the perimeter. The sacred fire was off to one side. A circular roped off area provided an area for Powwow dancers and in the centre was the arbor -- a round, outdoor room that housed the drummers. There were four groups of drummers, the host drummers who kicked things off and drummers from other communities. This last area was off-limits to visitors as it is sacred and one would need to be somehow prepared to be there -- cleansed, perhaps? I'm not sure. However, drumming is extremely important and represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth.

The MC was terrific. He announced the dances and let us know when photos were allowed or not allowed. He cracked a lot of jokes too which added to the friendly atmosphere.

The ceremony began with the grass dancers. Long before the invention of lawnmowers, these energetic, young men would be responsible to stomp down the long grass to prepare for the Powwow dancers. Traditionally, this would have happened the day before the Powwow, but today it is ceremonial rather than practical in nature.

The host drummers provided the drumming and singing that accompanied the parade of elders and veterans carrying flags, and dancers as they entered the dance circle. Visitors were also allowed to participate in this ceremony. Flags represented various nations and groups including Mi' mkaq, Mohawk, American Indian Movement, Native Veterans, and so on. These flags were placed around the arbour.

After prayer, dancing begins. There are shawl dancers, fancy dancers, bell dancers, among others. It was great to see younger ones participating either as babes-in-arms or as junior dancers. Periodically, an inter-tribal dance is announced at which time everyone is invited into the circle to hold hands and dance. Given the number of nationalities represented there, it was pretty cool to watch.

Asides from being a social gathering, a Powwow is a place for contemplation and healing. Dancing is considered to be prayer in motion. Dancers can pray/think/focus on themselves or others. Singing is the same. The sacred fire is another opportunity for prayer. Anyone may approach the fire to pray and offer tobacco to the flames. (If you are a woman, you should wear a skirt if you want to approach the sacred fire.)

I should comment on the use of tobacco since, if you are like me, you may be wondering why it is considered to be so important. Tobacco is one of four sacred plants. Sweetgrass, cedar and sage are the others. Tobacco was the first plant given by the Creator and is used to communicate with the spirit world. An offer of tobacco opens the door to prayer and communicating feelings. If you want to approach an elder to ask something, offer tobacco. Your request will be considered appropriate. Pouch tobacco is preferred.

To round out our understanding of the other sacred plants, sage is used to prepare people for ceremonies and teachings. It is also used for cleansing homes and sacred items and has medicinal properties. Sweetgrass is the hair of Mother Earth. Its sweet scent reminds people of her kind ways and gentleness. Cedar is used to purify the home and for curative purposes.

But tobacco is key and used for all things including activating the spirits of other plants.

Here are some photos of the Powwow. If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to attend a one this summer.


Arbour with drummers

Thanks to the Cathy Martin for her time in sharing a bit of her culture with us.

Colleen