A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Violet Sutherland leads the procession of dancers and family members after the special dance in her honor during the Akwesasne International Powwow held at Lamoureux Park and the Cornwall Civic Complex on Sunday September 8, 2024 in Cornwall, Ont.
The women's dance.
Inside the Ed Lumley Arena on Sunday, Sept 8th.
Flags set upon the Lamoureaux Bandshell for the Akwesasne Powwow.
Young men wearing traditional kastowas and clothing.
Tehanonsakahnian dancing in the 6 to 11 Junior Boys Grass dance.
Darrell Thompson, enjoying the Akwesasne Powwow.
Young boys dancing in the Smoke Dance.
Food vendors were set up outside the arena, offering a variety of delicious powwow food.
The first ever Akwesasne Powwow that was held in Cornwall is considered a success by all accounts. And that's saying a lot – between Saturday's steady rain and Sunday's blustery winds, organizers moved the drummers and dancers inside the Ed Lumley Arena. Food vendors, craft and art vendors stayed outside and in front of Lamoureux Park's Lions Bandshell. Despite the not so accommodating weather – vendors greeted friends, relatives and visitors who poured in steadily despite the weather.
Inside, the rhythmic beat set the pace as the Host Drum – Charging Horse set the atmosphere with their exceptional drumming and singing. The powwow regalia was a feast for the eyes, with exquisite beadwork, brightly colored ribbons and headdresses representing Indigenous nations from across Turtle Island.
Outside on the park's lawn over 68 traditional craft vendors were set up with many offerings of one-of-a-kind beadwork, quillwork, silver jewelry, talking dolls, and more. Contemporary fine art vendors presented paintings, prints, and photographs. If that wasn't enough to satisfy you, the Akwesasne Powwow had over 15 food vendors to choose from – nothing like powwow food to satisfy your hunger.
The crown jewel of every powwow are the dancers and this year the Akwesasne Powwow had 367 registered dancers ranging in age from tiny tots to golden age. Moving to the beat of the drum, many dancers consider this 'good medicine' and are grateful to participate.
One elderly woman said she dances for her relatives who can't dance.
The Akwesasne Powwow Committee stated, "We are grateful for the relations we've built with the City of Cornwall and the many organizations and committees that have welcomed us. This relationship was key to making this another successful powwow. We would love to move the powwow back to Akwesasne. It was always our intention to move the powwow back. We haven't made any decisions of where the powwow will be held next year – there are a lot of factors to consider. We remain hopeful to return to Akwesasne."
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