Akwesasne Children's Powwow

The former IGA building was filled to capacity on Saturday, March14, 2015, with children dressed in full regalia. With their families close by, the girls competed in the Jingle Dress, Shawl Dance, and Smoke Dance, while the boys competed in the Traditional, Grass and Smoke Dance competition. Guiding the young dancers with grace and composure were the lead dancers; Isabelle Wilson and Kahentaienni Thompson. These highly revered dancers started each song or set of songs accordingly. The honored head veteran was John McComber, who carried the Native American eagle staff and led the Grand Entry. McComber was followed by Dwight Bero, Theresa Conners, Rob White and Mel Phelix as flag bearers. The event was kept lively from beginning to end with Lance Delisle as the emcee. The Red Tail Singers from Kahnawake sang the Powwow drum dance songs and Kanienkehaka Ratirennenhawi singers from Akwesasne. A blanket dance was also held to help bring the Walking With Our Sisters Commemorative Art Installation to Akwesasne in November of this year.

The powwow dance goes back to the Omaha to a period of about 400 years ago. Today there are societies, especially in the Dakotas who still refer to the "Omaha Dances". In Oklahoma these societies evolved around warriors; the Hethuska societies, the stealthtaker, the Red Feather Societies, the Kit Fox, the Dog Soldiers, all these societies evolved around warriors and what they have done in battle. The eagle feather worn in these societies indicate coup that has been counted. These ways still affect today's powwows. According to legend, an old story goes back to a great-great-great-grandfather who tells how the powwow originates to four Omaha brothers who were warriors. The warriors were not necessarily celebrating the taking of a life, but pride in their good medicine. The dance they performed was a celebration of good fortune as members of a family, a society, a clan and a Nation. It was a dance based on pride and we can still see that pride in our children on Saturday. The powwow culture was not formally introduced until Six Nations decided to do so in the late '70's. Soon after, the late Gesso Thomas and his Standing Arrow group brought the big drum and powwow music to Akwesasne about 40 years ago. Gesso brought the big drum into the Longhouse and people were shocked since it was so loud and their voices almost screaming - a direct contrast from the water drum. Soon it was a welcomed part of a gathering, as Thomas, besides being gifted as an artist, was also an excellent singer in that medium.

In this sense, this Powwow was a way for community to come together in the spirit of our youth, uplifting their spirits, and the hope for a better future. Built on the foundation of former Travelling College Directors, the Children's Powwow has grown to be a huge anticipated kick off for spring and this year's Powwow Trail. The Children's Powwow is a positive drug and alcohol free family event for Akwesasne.

Sarah Konwahahawi Rourke, Director of NNATC, acknowledged the hard work of the staff of NNATC and many volunteers. They make the powwow such a success for our children. This included the families of NNATC staff, Akwesasne Midget Boys Hockey Team, the Partridge House, the WWOS committee, and the Salmon River Girls Lacrosse Team. As well, Rourke acknowledged the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino for the use of their tables and chairs for this event.

This entire event was organized by the North Native American Traveling College and sponsored by the Community Fund and the MCA Community Health Program. All dancers were given toys donated by the Community Health Program. They also provided breakfast and nutritious snacks for dancers, their families, staff, and singers.

The objectives of the Native North American Travelling College are to reach the people, inform them and give them a better understanding of our culture and heritage. Efficiency, determination and commitment are some of the key words used to describe the Center in reaching these goals. From these efforts, the general public stands to gain knowledge and appreciation of the Native People and their many unique characteristics. This unique and innovative cultural center publishes its own books, pamphlets, and posters; produces audio-visual materials; offers a travel troupe that visits schools, universities and festivals; operates a museum and gift shop. It also offers a wide variety of hands-on workshops.

NNATC currently staffs a motivated team of eleven knowledgeable cultural educators, artists, public speakers and storytellers. They are continuously learning and engaging the community. They strive to revitalize traditional knowledge in Akwesasne while educating our neighbors. For more information; you can contact the NNATC by email at [email protected] or on their website at http://www.nnatc.org or phone: (613) 932-9452 / Fax: (613) 932-0092. You can also find them on Facebook "Native North American Travelling College" or follow them on Twitter/Instagram @NNATC_