The Pow Wow
Ancestral practice, dance, gathering, cultural affirmation… it’s all that, a powwow! It is above all a unique moment, where we are all invited to a great sharing. Here are some elements, including dance and regalia, to understand what a powwow means today.
For Indigenous people, the powwow is a way to affirm their culture, and has been for generations. It embodies solidarity between Nations. If powwows are events open to all indigenous communities, they are also open to non-indigenous people. This annual meeting remains very important today, because it encourages rapprochement between people; This is a unique opportunity to experience and share culture and traditions during summer weekends, from May to September, in around thirty indigenous communities in Quebec.
Type of Pow Wow
There are mainly two types of powwow: traditional and competitive. Powwows as they are known today originated in Western Canada and the United States. Increasingly popular, a powwow has become an opportunity for everyone to learn about the culture and lifestyles of both traditional and modern Aboriginal people. For the natives, it is an opportunity to share it. We find, among other things, indigenous artisans and artists, traditional food, dancers, drummers and of course, spectators!
Sharing
The notion of sharing is very important, because in sharing, equality is essential; this is the essence of the circle, everything created by the Creator is on the same equal footing. This is why you will find the dances in a large circle. Even if the dancers and drummers are in the center, the spectators are also part of it and have their importance. The dancers and drummers come to share part of their cultural identity with you, but there is no single sharing, the spectators also share their energy, their presence, their interest and the dances during moments specifically designated for them. this effect.
Rest assured that everyone is welcome, the greater the number, the greater the sharing! The Wendake International Powwow stands out in two ways, its name as a competitive powwow and its urban side. Dancers from all over America come to take their place. Due to its urban side, the community being landlocked in Quebec City, Wendake becomes an easily accessible meeting place as much for dancers, drummers, artisans as for spectators, in short it is a meeting place everyone awaits you every year!
Dance circle
The dance circle, located near the Akiawenhrahk’ River, adds a natural dimension to this urban powwow. Indeed, although all modern conveniences are nearby, the nature surrounding the dance circle allows us to feel close to Mother Earth.
