Kahnawake Pow Wow
It’s a celebration for people of all ages that include Aboriginal music, dancing, regalia, food and handicrafts. Originally, the Aboriginals would meet and take this opportunity to settle disputes, forge new alliances, and trade. Family and religion were also central components of the powwows of yore. Pow-Wow activities, which today are celebrated across Canada during summer weekends, are divided into two types: traditional and competitive. During competitive powwows, prizes are awarded to dancers and musicians. Traditional powwows on the other hand focus on traditions and spirituality. Though some elements are common to the various communities, some of these communities have dances and songs that are specific to them, like the smoke dance of the Iroquois, or the Prairie Chicken dance of the First Nations of the prairies.There are also different categories of dancing, depending on the style and age of participants: dances performed by men (traditional dances, grass dances, fancy dance), dances performed by women (traditional jingle dress dances, fancy shawl dance) and dances performed by both sexes (hoop dance). Nowadays, powwows are open to all. Inter-tribal dances, in which anyone can participate, are a great opportunity to meet people. Powwows remain an important event for Aboriginal people; they allow them to uphold their traditions and culture and proudly show their roots.
