The annual Saugeen First Nation Pow Wow saw a large turnout over the weekend while battling the heat.
The two-day event was held on Saturday and Sunday at the James Mason Recreation Centre and welcomed attendees and dancers from all over Canada.
Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie says the weekend was full of good energy and vibes.
“The significance of it is to celebrate the culture and pride,” says Ritchie. “I think this is an opportunity to bring people of all colours, all races to come together as one to remember that we are all human.”
He says for some, the Pow Wow was a new experience and he has had people coming to ask questions about the music and dance.
“It’s a good tool to educate people and provide a bit more awareness and I believe you can only learn so much within the education system, but here is an opportunity where you can come right to the source and it is open for everybody to get exposure and learn about who we are as a people here, the original people to the lands here,” says Ritchie.
In addition to celebrating Indigenous culture, Ritchie says the event also operates as a dance contest.
“Saugeen Pow Wow is a competition Pow Wow, it’s a friendly competition and I think it attracts a bit more people from further places,” says Ritchie.
He says while there are larger Pow Wow venues in Canada and the United States, Saugeen First Nation remains a central spot for holding Pow Wows.
“We are pretty much at the heart of tourist country and it is a great opportunity to showcase that,” says Ritchie.
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation will be holding a Pow Wow at Cape Croker Park from Aug. 15 to the 18.
