The word Pow Wow is thought to have derived from the Algonquin language of Southeastern Canada.  The traditional Narragansett words pau wau translates into the English language as “he or she dreams”.   Another translation is from the Pawnee language meaning “to eat”, indicating eating at large gatherings.

In Canada, when the Indian Act was initiated in 1876, it made it prohibitive for Indigenous communities to gather, sing and dance in their traditional ways.  The federal government found these gatherings to be threatening and wanted to restrict the savage traditions of the Indian populations.  First Nation communities of Turtle Island (North America) continued their celebrations in secret.  Prominently, the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation and the Thunderchild Nation in Saskatchewan continued Pow Wows throughout the 75 year ban and many current Pow Wows recognize their resilience to this day.

Throughout colonization of First Nation communities, many of the young children were ashamed of their cultural singing and dancing.  This is due to the generational traumas of residential schools continually telling these children to be ashamed of their savage traditional ways of life.  First Nation communities are strong and having learned how to adapt to overcoming very difficult situations.  The Pow Wows saw a resurgence in the 1960s that is opening the traditional celebrations once again.  

Today we see many Pow Wows through the summer solstice period and there is much to celebrate.  When I was at my reserve this past weekend, there was a welcoming of our Nation and non-Indigenous people to come and celebrate.  The celebration held much traditional ceremony through drumming, singing and dancing that is sacred and not to be photographed (unless given special permission) and some dance that was welcome to be joined by all.

When I arrived, I was quickly greeted by my auntie Linda and finally got to meet her daughter, Vicki.  My Uncle Dave found us and was thrilled to finally meet my children, Blain and Brooke.  He took us around to meet many relatives, all who gave a warm hug and a look deep into our eyes that was riveting.  It was an honour to also meet our Chief, Dave Mowat.  He is tall, a commanding presence and quite humorous.  Our relation to the Chief is through my great grandmother and his grandmother being sisters.

I asked many questions about everyone’s different regalia.  Dave said that each person designs what they wear out of their own creativity.  It was so beautiful and colourful and wonderful to see how the children of our people are treated as cherished persons and encouraged to explore their heritage.

As we said our goodbye’s it was with warm hugs and excitement for August when I have the honour of bringing my sister Linda home.  The journey of adoption is complicated for many, but I know that with the open hearts that my family has shown to me and my children, it is healing and so very fulfilling.  I have found so much more love in my life with each new relative in my life that I now cherish so closely.