The 13th Annual Akwesasne International Powwow

This past weekend, Akwesasne and surrounding communities had the opportunity to take part in a great cultural event – the 13th Annual Akwesasne Powwow held at A’nowara:kowa Arena on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8, 2013. With two full days of entertainment for the eyes, ears and the soul, this year’s powwow delivered in every aspect. From the visiting cultural exchange group, the Remesha Drum Group, to the visually breathtaking regalia of the dancers, to the variety of powwow food vendors and craft tables, for certain you could find something for everyone in your family.

To start things off with a bang, the Remesha Drum group from Burundi put on an action packed performance sharing many of their songs and dances used in their ceremonies. From there, spectators were ready for the pomp and pageantry of the Grand Entry of Staff Carriers, Head Veteran, Lead Dancers, local Veterans, Powwow Royalty followed by male dancers, female dancers and last but not least (and definitely the most entertaining dancers) the children. The powwow then started the dance competition of over more than thirty categories including Jingle, Grass, Traditional, Fancy, and Smoke dance and categories for visiting Drum groups.

According to Romaine Mitchell, one of the Organizing Committee members who has been with the Akwesasne Powwow since its conception from its advisory committee to organizing committee, Mitchell has seen this powwow grow and develop. This is Mitchell’s 23rd year on the powwow trail taking part as a dancer and well known craftsperson on the trail. He raised his two boys on the powwow trail and will probably have a hand in raising his two grandchildren on the trail as well. The powwow trail is well known for taking in newcomers and welcoming old-timers back each time they meet at a powwow. This year has been no different, from Schmitzen to Shinnecock to Mohegan Sun and to as far east as Halifax, Mitchell brings years of experience of travel to fine tune Akwesasne’s powwow. Mitchell said this powwow would not be possible without the support of the community, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and the local businesses in and around Akwesasne. Mitchell, who is in the education field himself, sees this as a teaching tool to share our culture and other cultures with the local area. He also feels this is a great way to give back to those who have shown him and his family such great hospitality on the powwow trail, “We can only grow from here, and with this caliber of dancers who travel from as far as British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, we can only get better and bigger for 2014.