THUNDER BAY - For the last 30 years, the Lakehead University Native Student Association has been sharing Indigenous culture with the student body and community, but in recent years, the annual Powwow has taken on new meaning.
“It’s a very special time to celebrate, especially with last couple of years in the city and the issues the communities are facing,” said Tannis Kastern, LUNSA president. “It’s nice to be able to have a safe space to come together and celebrate our traditional culture and ceremonies and have the students involved here at the campus.”
Hundreds gathered over the weekend at the Lakehead University Fieldhouse to take in the drumming, dancing, regalia, and a traditional feast on Saturday.
“Over the few years I’ve been at LU, it’s always been packed,” Kastern said. “It’s well known, a household name, which makes me feel good to know we are doing something right, that people are returning.”
The celebration of Indigenous culture is a way of sharing traditions, especially with students, Kastern said, many of whom come from different cultures and backgrounds.
“Being able to make friends with other nations and learn about their traditional culture and religion, we are making a positive change,” she said. “It’s when the learning isn’t happening that the change won’t happen.”
And it is about creating positive change by bringing people together for songs and dance, celebrating one another in the face of challenges, and working together toward healing.
“It brings together the community to share each other’s hurt and be able to laugh and giggle at the same time,” Kastern said.
“There are too many hurts, but at the same time it helps educate the non-Indigenous community on our hurts as well and hope that maybe we can find a way to work and come to a balance in this city where everybody can heal, not just the Indigenous community, but the non-Indigenous community.”
