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There is a special origin that many aboriginal people believe modern day pow-wows (traditional or competition) have come from. Although most North American Aboriginal communities have had various forms of traditional dance and drum songs as a part of their ceremonies and social interaction, the pow-wows of today are said to have evolved from the original "Ghost Dance" of the 1870's. Even the "Regalia" (outfit worn by dancers) has grown from the Ghost Dance gatherings. A special shirt and dress was created for the dance known as the "Ghost Shirt" (worn by men) and "Ghost Dress" (worn by women). These garments were said to protect the wearer. At that time, this dance/ceremony was adopted by the Lakota people who were guided by their spiritual leader "Sitting Bull". He had received the teachings of the Ghost Dance from a Paiute spiritual leader named "Wovoka" who was considered by many tribes across the nation as a messiah. Sitting Bull was a holy man not a war Chief as many non-Native people have believed. At that time, the Lakota people (like many other Indian nations) were aggressively dismantled by the U.S. government. The government of that day had systematically and purposely eradicated the great herds of buffalo, the centrepiece of the Lakota's culture and main food source. Sitting Bull's people were in great pain and turned to him for leadership.
For a time the Ghost Dance went underground until the laws against such ceremonies were lifted. During this time, gatherings would happen secretly and evolved into other types of celebrations by different tribes. The ghost shirts and dresses became the regalia dancers now wear. Although the Ghost Dance is still practiced in some communities, this ceremony has shaped other types of dance gatherings. Two of which we know as the "Traditional" and "Competition" pow-wows. Many other kinds of dancers now share that sacred circle with the Ghost Dancers of long ago. Born through defiance and the will to persevere, the pow-wow has become a symbol of unity and a community celebration of life, in remembrance of those ancestors who offered their lives for us. In the early 1980's Nipissing First Nation began their annual traditional pow-wow celebrations like so many other tribes across Turtle Island (North America). Every Labour Day Weekend (the first weekend of September) since that time, our event has been held over two days like the spiritual dances of the past. The last couple of years the gathering has moved to a permanent location at the end of Jocko Point Road on Nipissing at our sacred grounds.
People of all nations are invited to come and join our community to celebrate life at our special gathering. All the colors of the sacred circle of man are welcomed and have a place here. From dark beginnings to a brighter time, we continue to celebrate our freedom. Many have honored us by giving their lives... so we may dance! Come and share a special time with us! For more information on our Traditional Gathering contact Nipissing First Nation at (705) 753-2050 If you would like to learn more about aboriginal issues and travel through Indian Country on a cyber journey, here are some interesting links: |
An Eagle floats above the gathering silent and unassuming. She is drawn to the hypnotic rhythm of the drum as the sacred vibrations call to her spirit. The sound of the drum pulls her like a minnow into a gentle warm whirlpool in a summer's brook. She is slowly noticed by the people dancing below and a murmur of awe quietly spreads throughout the gathering as one by one each pays silent homage to her. They know that deep within the currents of her wings are the prayers of our ancestors shared from a different time and place. She has blessed the gathering with her presence... It is a good day to dance! 
Through Wovoka, Sitting Bull learned of a prophecy that foretold of a powerful dance that would bring back the vast herds of buffalo that once roamed their lands. It would also bury the whites beneath their sacred land after a great flood. This dance would become known in history as the "Ghost Dance" and would be the birth of the modern day pow-wow. Guided by the spirits of this dance, Sitting Bull lead many of these gatherings himself, sometimes dancing non-stop for days. This dance spread to other tribes and they began to gather and use it as well. The white communities and the U.S. government grew very fearful of this activity and outlawed it along with any other dances or ceremonies. Even though the Lakota and other tribes were starving and in no shape to challenge the U.S. government they were determined to eliminate this threat against them... and they did! During a struggle between Indian police (sent in by the government) and Ghost Dancers, Sitting Bull was shot and killed. This paranoid aggression by the government set the stage for the 1890 Wounded Knee conflict which saw over 200 Indian men, women and children massacred by soldiers. Many of the dead were Ghost Dancers gathering to dance.
Over 2,000 people, along with 5-10 Drum Groups and some 50 dancers annually participate in the two day celebration. The pow-wow begins each day at 1:00 p.m. with a "Grand Entry" including all dancers. Flags and Eagle Staffs from all over lead the way into the circle. This is the most moving and brilliant aspect of our and any pow-wow. Drum songs, laughter, and the aroma of fry bread fills the air. It is truly a feast for the eyes, ears, mouth and spirit. A "FREE" feast of traditional foods (moose, deer, fish, etc...) is prepared for all to enjoy and there is a "Giveaway Ceremony". Special gifts are given to all who are in attendance at the end of the day. Traders from all over Ontario (and beyond) sell their wares to eager buyers looking for authentic Ojibway crafts. Dancers from every traditional and contemporary form (Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Shawl, Jingle, etc...) share the dance arena and move with the spirits that touch them. Elders and Veterans guide the event with their teachings and wisdom, while children generously spread the spirit of fun, excitement and energy. Even our Chief & Council are on hand to welcome all guests to our territory. There is no charge for Admission to the two day event, the wild feast is free, the giveaway is free and the good times are free. One of only a few places where "free" actually means "free"! 
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