The Couchiching Powwow Grounds were alive with drumming, dancing and songs last weekend as Couchiching First Nation hosted two Powwows. Grand Council Treaty #3 held its second annual 2SLGBTQ+ Powwow and Gathering on Friday. Giving a safe space for all members of the community to come and strut their stuff while all were invited to participate. Special dance competitions were held as well as a workshop to create pins for pronouns and to help people learn more about about 2SLGBTQ+ culture. Ron Mandamin was Master of Ceremonies and the Host Drum was Yerxa Traditional.
On Saturday and Sunday Couchiching First Nation also hosted its 29th annual Powwow. Dancers and singers came from all around to participate and dance their styles. Yerxa Traditional was again host drum. Invited drums included Little Bear, and Agency One. MCs for the weekend were Gary Smith and Jeremy Jordan. In a Facebook post after the event organizer Sandy Bruyere says he was moved by the turn out and the engagement of everyone present.
“I felt choked up, to say the least, and maybe a drop of water or two wanted to leave my eyes, but I held that in and smiled in amazement at the circle that was created here, a circle of friendship, a circle of happiness and a circle of family and friends coming together for a common purpose and that is to have fun and enjoy each others company.”
-Allan Bradbury photos
