THUNDER BAY – Updated– Pow Wow 101 was the course tonight at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. The course, put on by LU’s Aborginal Cultural and Support Services was hosted by Dave Simard and Thunder Mountain Singers.

Pow Wow 101 – A night of learning

Jingle Dance

Pow Wow 101 at Lakehead University by netnewsledger

The goal of course is sharing the Indigenous culture. Thunder Bay’s population, including Fort William First Nation is growing quickly. At Lakehead University the School of Medicine, and the Faculty of Law are both focused on providing specific courses that focus on the Indigenous culture of our region.

Grass Dance

Pow Wow 101 Lakehead University March 2013 by netnewsledger

The grass dance, like all of the dances at a Pow Wow have their history in the culture of the First Peoples. Dave Simard shared how the dance started from the men flattening the long grass for a new camp so that ceremonies could be held at the location.

The dancers through their steps, flatten down the grass.

In the video, there are two styles of dancers doing the grass dance.

Lakehead University LUNSA 25th Anniversary Pow Wow

On March 15-17 2013 the Lakehead University Native Students Association will host the 25th Anniversary Pow Wow.

Lakehead University Pow Wow 101 by netnewsledger

The event is the culmination of the school year for Lakehead University students, and offers a great way to end the academic year. 

For the second year, NetNewsledger will be offering the LUNSA Pow Wow in a Live-stream broadcast. 

Learning about our Indigenous Culture is a great way of uniting Thunder Bay.

The Chicken Dance

The dance is considered to have a strong spiritual meaning.

Pow Wow 101 Men’s Dance by netnewsledger

Honouring the Women

Honouring the Women at Lakehead University – Pow Wow 101 by netnewsledger

Safe Travels

The last song at a Pow Wow is the Traveller’s Song. It is to help keep everyone safe on their journey home.

Pow Wow 101 Dancers – Safe Travels by netnewsledger