THUNDER BAY — The National Indigenous Peoples Day powwow returned to Animikii-waajiw, also known as Mount McKay, on Saturday.
Starting with a sunrise ceremony with Elder John Gagnon, the powwow went on to hold several dances throughout the day, including Jingle Dress dances and hoop dancing, before hosting a feast and giveaways.
It also welcomed over 20 community organizations — many who were sponsors of the powwow — and numerous vendors, including around 20 crafters and nine local food vendors.
Luna Sage Hall Santana joined her mother and grandmother to dance at the powwow. For her, it was important to celebrate being Indigenous on National Indigenous Peoples Day for two reasons.
“I like celebrating my culture and it’s really, really fun doing the powwows,” said Hall Santana.
She added that she enjoyed having lots of fun and celebrating their culture.
Tyrell Moonias also joined the circle to Grass Dance. He said he was enjoying the powwow on Saturday.
“I came out early, got ready, danced and I’m celebrating Indigenous Day because it’s my day off today,” said Moonias.
Moonias explained that it’s important for the community and Indigenous peoples to have a day to celebrate their culture and their background.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge the history of Indigenous peoples and this day kind of provides that regardless if you know a lot or know so little,” said Moonias.
Every year, the powwow is organized by a committee comprising around eight to 10 volunteers.
Shannon Young, the co-chair of the National Indigenous Peoples Day powwow, said these volunteers were recruited and have kept on the committee as they’re “passionate about it and do a great job.”
“It’s very important for us to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day and to bring awareness and celebrate and get the community of Thunder Bay knowing because a lot of people don’t know this exists in the powwows and it’s a great opportunity for community,” said Young.
For the feast alone, she explained the powwow usually has up to about 2500 people.
“I haven’t had a chance to look around yet, but it does seem to be getting busier and busier… every 15 minutes,” said Young.
For those looking to attend the powwow, Young said they have a bussing system to make it easy.
“You can park at the (Fort William First Nation) Arena and you get on a bus and they’ll bring you up here,” said Young.
“You can spend the day and it is free for everybody to come up here and hang out all day and the feast is free as well for everybody.”
