Organizers optimistic bridge issue won’t dampen Akwesasne Powwow

The annual Akwesasne Powwow will take place this weekend and organizers are hopeful and optimistic that the event will enjoy its regular success despite the bridge situation and temporary relocation of Canada Customs.

“We have been minimally concerned about the bridge situation but a mixture of the numerous routine calls of inquiry and quickness that all of our craft and food vendors were filled, (spilling into a long waiting list), is hopefully an indicator that we will be just as well attended as in the past,” said Larry King of the Powwow Committee.

King said the committee has had “very cordial meetings” with Canada Border Services Agency as well as the Seaway International Bridge Corporation and “they have been open to constructive dialogue which should go a long way in assuring the success of the powwow.”

Non-native guests to the powwow will receive a return bridge pass and Native guests may present their status cards for free passage through the toll booth.

The committee has been working diligently preparing for the 9th annual event and while it is a well-established event King said they rely on participation and sponsorship to make the event successful. Monetary prizes are awarded and organizers expect 5,000 people to attend throughout the 2-day event.

“The one thing that we will always be concerned with and watching very closely is the weather,“ King said. “It has been a bad summer for many things and Powwows have not eluded the wrath of Mother Nature. We will retreat inside the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena in case of inclement weather but in any case the show will go on.”

Along with the regular events of the powwow competition, guests will also enjoy performances by Bear Fox as well as by the Akwesasne Hoop Dancers who have been practicing all summer long.

The powwow will be held on this Saturday and Sunday, Sept 12 and Sept 13 at the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island).

“This is an opportunity for us as a community to show that despite the situation at the border, and any other situation for that matter, we will continue to carry on our lives in the way we see fit which hopefully for many includes attending the 9th Annual Akwesasne International Powwow,” King said.