The beat of the drum gradually grows stronger as the flag-bearers, dancers, Junior Rangers, chief and councillors arrange themselves for the grand entry of the very first powwow in Gillam.
Flags mounted on beautiful birch branches lead the colourfully dressed First Nation dancers around the arena to the driving beat of a traditional drum song. As the grand entry circles around the room, the master of ceremonies explains the meaning of the Eagle Staff, flags and other details of the grand entry to an audience whom most have never before attended a powwow.
This and many scenes like it were part of the 1st Annual Fox Lake Cultural Festival, where emphasis was put on teaching the community about the traditions presented throughout the powwow.
While working with Fox Lake Cree Nation, president of Running Deer Resources - Jamie Saulnier - was inspired by the youth's desire to learn more about their heritage, and so the Fox Lake Cultural Festival was launched as a means of providing the community with the opportunity to immerse itself in its rich culture and traditions.
The Aboriginal School of Dance kicked off the event with an awe-inspiring performance depicting how multiculturalism can be expressed through the art of music and dance. Original choreography, a multitude of costume changes, and inspiring monologues were performed over mash-ups of modern pop/rock and traditional music.
"We wanted to tailor an event for the Fox Lake Cree Nation and Gillam communities by showcasing them while teaching meanings behind each detail," explained one of the event organizers, Janelle Mailhot. "We've done this by inviting a head staff who are experienced in first-time powwows and who are eager to teach newcomers, but still gentle when coaxing participation from the audience."
And with a gentle push by arena director Christopher A. Harper, the seats emptied as the audience joined the dancers for the potato dance, spot dances and other traditional powwow dances. Towards the end of the day, the dancers led the elders to sit in the centre of the arena to thank and honour them. The dancers then led the audience in a train that wrapped around the elders' circle and thanked each elder as they passed by. When the train began, the elders humbly and timidly accepted each honour, but by the time the line dissipated, the smiles were impossible to contain and a glow of joy radiated from centre of the room.
This customized powwow was most evident when Mr. Harper and master of ceremonies Henry Skywater led the audience in prayers for a family who had just received news of the loss of a loved one. Amidst the smoke of sweet grass cascading around the grieving family, Mr. Harper spoke a prayer in Cree before Mr. Skywater sang a prayer in both Cree and English. And again, led by the dancers, the entire audience formed a long line offering condolences, love and support to the family.
"What an incredibly moving moment," said one community member. "I've never experienced anything like this before, and I'll never forget it."
