The 39th Annual Cape Croker Pow Wow is happening on Friday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 18 at Cape Croker Park.
It’s the annual pow wow hosted by the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
The weekend starts with a music night on Friday evening, featuring Logan Staats and there will also be an open mic night.
Event Planning Coordinator Ann Marie Proulx-White says that the annual event is important.
“When we have these celebrations, it brings the community together. Many [from the community] come home specifically for this weekend,” she says. “It’ll be a place for laughter, eating good food, drumming and dancing, and meeting new friends.”
She says that when attendees hear the drums, there’s an excitement in the air, to be able to come together and celebrate.
“My favourite part of the Pow Wow weekend is when I sit and see our children dancing,” says Proulx-White. “I also look around and see families eating and visiting, and just enjoying each others’ company. It’s a time to be with family and meet new friends.”
New visitors who aren’t sure what happens at a pow wow are welcome to visit the cultural teachings tent to learn etiquette.
The same tent will have two elders – one male, one female – to act as cultural advisors and offer teachings.
There are also dance classes for those who aren’t sure how to move to the beat of the drums.
She says that it helps new visitors be ready for the intertribal dances that take place.
It also helps to bring recognition to visitors who have travelled from other parts of the world to take in a pow wow.
“We’re planning to do a special call out for visitors to see how far they’ve travelled. We usually give them a gift card and do a song to welcome them into our community.”
She says that one year, they had someone visiting from Sweden.
Proulx-White says that they’re expecting a busy weekend. Cape Croker Park’s campgrounds are completely booked.
“A lot of people enjoy coming up here because it’s so beautiful and the people of the community are so welcoming,” she says.
There will be an array of foods, including Indian tacos and corn soup, as well as the usual hot dogs and hamburgers.
Craft vendors will be there from Turtle Island, and items for sale will include beadwork, ribbon skirts, carvings, and items that focus on Indigenous culture.
She adds that with the excitement building around this year’s event, she’s excited to see what will happen next year when the event celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Admission for the weekend is by financial donation, or by food bank donations, including canned goods and non-perishable items.
Proulx-White adds that half of the money made at the gate will be donated to the local food bank as well.
The Pow Wow is at Cape Croker Park, 112 Park Road, Wiarton.
Anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to Proulx-White at celebrationcoord@nawash.ca
