Today, June 21st, is a ‘trifecta’ day … it is Indigenous Day, the first day of summer and the summer solstice which is the longest day of the year and the shortest night.
On Monday, June 20th, the first day of the final week of Indigenous month, Saugeen First Nation hosted a ‘mini’ pow wow for students before they head into summer vacation time.
Students from 11 schools across the Grey Bruce Catholic School Board were bussed to the James Mason Centre at Saugeen First Nation where they learned some of the First Nation’s history through stories, dance and song. Students from G. C. Huston Public Schools in Southampton also attended as many Saugeen First Nations students attend the school.
Meeg Snake from Peterborough emceed the Pow Wow telling stories that were passed on through First Nation’s oral history while the ‘Res Warriors’ drumming circle accompanied the many dancers and Band Councillor Conrad Ritchie brought greetings on behalf of the Saugeen people.
While the students watched the various dancers perform in each dance from the Jingle dance to Women’s traditional, the Men’s traditional to the Grass dance and the Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance, they also had the chance to join in during the Inter-tribal dance that is all inclusive.
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For many of the students, it was their first time attending a Pow Wow and to learn about First Nations traditions and stories first-hand. There was also the opportunity to learn about First Nations ties to nature and the Bruce County museum and Cultural Centre and its First Nations gallery.
Following two years of COVID shutdowns, the August Pow Wow at Saugeen First Nation is highly anticipated this year and everyone is invited to attend.
