Organizers called the Native Friendship Center of Montreal’s 17th annual Pow Wow, held on September 12-13, one of the urban Aboriginal events of the year.
I love Pow Wow’s. They provide an opportunity for people to get together and join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones. Often it brings families together who may live apart throughout the year. Also it is a chance to demonstrate and display artistic ability with the many arts and crafts common to Native people. Pow Wows are more than social events. They are a time of learning and carrying on a rich cultural heritage. There is spiritual significance in each dance, song, and custom observed. The Pow Wow provides an opportunity for our young to learn from our Elders and to carry on the tradition.
At this year’s Pow Wow I did something different besides just going out to enjoy myself. I volunteered my services along with others. The only thing I asked from the Pow Wow committee was that I would have time to take photos of the event. As a result I received one of the easiest jobs. I was a host to the drums and dancers. I had to make sure that throat lozenges, water and other creature comforts were on hand at all times.
During the Pow Wow I had my son Eric with me. A relative newcomer to the city, it worried me that I couldn’t keep a close eye on him but other workers helped. That’s the spirit of a Pow Wow, that helping hand and caring for others. My son spent most of the time dancing whenever it was allowed. At the end one of the women dancers he spent a lot of time with came up and took him by the hand him off to an Indian version of a Sadie Hawkins dance. For those of you not in the know this is a dance where the female of the species asks the male out.
The usual vendors were there, my favourite being the birchbark fanatics. Almost anything you wanted was there. My compliments to the Friendship Center on the great country food.
One of the stands involved Native youth. 1b join this new group you have to be 10-30 years old. They’re calling on all young rising spirits to join them. Next meeting of this new Aboriginal Youth Council is 15th of October at 5 p.m. It’s happening at the Native Friendship Center of Montreal located at 2001 St. Laurent. Call 514-499-1854 ext. 231 if you want more info.
I also had a chance to visit the latest Native store called A’nowara Crafts in Montreal. All handicrafts are actually made by hand and are some of the best work I’ve seen in a long time. Interested parties in either buying or selling should call 514-398-0710. For those of you lucky enough to visit Montreal with some time on your hands should visit the shop. It’s located in Old Montreal at Marché Bonsecours at 350 St. Paul East, local 205.
Congrats to the Friendship Center on a great event.
