FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – A ceremonial gathering place atop a symbolic location was home to its first major event this weekend.
The Fort William First Nation powwow grounds, situated on the Mount McKay Scenic Lookout, hosted this year’s National Aboriginal Day events on Saturday and Sunday.
The powwow grounds, which is circular shaped and has bleacher seating for more than 550 people, were constructed last year at a reported cost of $150,000.
Amy Farrell-Morneau, the chair of the National Aboriginal Day committee, said the powwow grounds are an ideal location to host the celebration considering the historical significant the location has for the community.
“It’s the first powwow on the Fort William First Nation grounds so it’s pretty exciting,” she said. “It’s always a bit more honouring to be up here.”
Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins said it is in a pristine location.
“It’s a beautiful setting. I’m looking forward to many more opportunities like this in our community,” he said.
The site has four entrances at each of the cardinal directions and symbolizes a medicine wheel. There is also an area for drumming inside the centre of the circle.
On Saturday there was live music and entertainment at the lookout and within the powwow grounds, which Collins sees as an opportunity to offer new things for his community.
“We’re going to enhance many things in our community, especially around our young people,” Collins said. “Those are the kinds of things, like entertainment, we’re going to try to get our young people involved in to try to excite them to keep them happy and healthy.”
The grounds will also host the annual Fort William First Nation powwow, which will be held next weekend.
