Bang the drum: historic powwow set to take place

The occasion doesn't involve any animosity; far from it. Rather, it is a celebration that will make history. First nations communities from St. Mary's, Kingsclear and Oromocto will meet to host the Wolastoqiyik Powwow Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19 in an historic celebration of the country's First Peoples.

It's the first time the three communities have joined in that particular powwow and marks the first time it will be held on the grounds of Fredericton's Government House, home of Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas.

The event came about when a group planning the powwow approached Nicholas.

"It will allow people to better understand the culture and traditions," said Tim Richardson, press secretary for the lieutenant-governor.

Government House itself is a symbol of cohesive cultures, said Richardson. The land is a native burial ground considered sacred by Maliseets and their ancestors who used the St. John River as a highway. It was also the site of a French settlement, St. Anne's Point, while the actual house was built by Loyalists.

Its current resident, Nicholas, is Maliseet and grew up on Tobique First Nation.

"It was his people who used that ground where Government House stands now," Richardson explained.

Newcomers who have never experienced a powwow can expect musical performances, traditional dances in costume, vendors and food. Visitors are coming from Minnesota, Maine, Quebec and across the Maritimes.

But it's the drums that will draw them in.

"The drums are so important and sacred in the Maliseet culture. You can feel the heart of the beat," Richardson said.

Richardson says Government House has high hopes for powwow hosting duties in the future.

"We hope it could become a cultural icon, like the Highland Games that are held on the grounds each year. Why couldn't the powwow become something similar, open to all and a celebration of First Nations culture?"

Why not, indeed?

The powwow will also serve as an early celebration of National Aboriginal Day, held on June 21 each year.

It's been a national holiday - and a stat holiday in the Northwest Territories - since former Gov. Gen. Romeo Leblanc made the declaration in 1996.

At press time, a public celebration was scheduled for Moncton for the first time, but it remained uncertain as to whether the event would come together. At the 11th hour, organizers issued a public appeal for over $2,500 to help with the event.

Todd Rundgren Bang On The Drum All Day - Infidel Bloggers Alliance

IBA Quote of the Week.
“I would have paid more attention to it if I had had any sense of it,” she said. “When women are harassed and subjected to this in society, they’re denied an equal place in that society. Public spaces don’t belong to them. Men control it. It reaffirms the oppressive role of men in the society.