FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – The Fort William First Nation Pow Wow Grounds on Mount McKay are healing. A few weeks ago, a group of youths in their four wheel drive vehicles were out on the First Nation mud bogging on the sacred grounds. The damage done resulted in a banning of off roaders from the First Nation.
With the annual June Pow Wow coming later in June, repairs to the grounds have already been completed. The First Nation has been busy preparing for the Pow Wow, having the grounds damaged for the second time in as many years has created concerns over how people respect the culture and property on the First Nation.
There is a quiet and still feeling atop Mount McKay today. The clouds are in close, and there is a still and chill in the air. The spiritual nature of the grounds is strong. Today NetNewsledger is on Mount McKay doing a report on some of the history of the Fort William First Nation.
Kevin Porter hand drumming on Mount McKay
If you have never attended a Pow Wow, you might want to view Pow Wow 101 and gather some information. A Pow Wow is open to all people. You can attend and watch, or you could attend and decide to participate. It is all up to you.
Fort William First Nation
The annual Pow Wow is held on the last weekend of June.
Thunder Mountain Pow-wow Committee–Fort William First Nation Youth Coucil
Fort William First Nation Annual Pow-wow
Host Drum : Two Feathers, Sandy Bay, Manitoba
M.C.: Clarence White
Arena Director: Tommy White
Spiritual Advisor: Louis Councillor, Northwest Bay
Friday: Warm Ups 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (All Drums are encouraged to participate in the warm ups on Friday, Dancers can also come out and shake your feathers)
Drum Registration will be open on Friday @ 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: Grand Entry 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Dancer registration will be open 12:00 p.m. on both days)
Sunday: Grand Entry 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Feast : Saturday and Sunday Camping spaces will be monitored/Security will be provided
Absolutely no Drugs and Alcohol use will be tolerated
Food/Craft Booths All Dancers, Drums and people wanting to experience the pow-wow are invited.
For more information please call John Charlie @ 807-622-1245 or 807-622-9726
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Pow Wow 101 at Lakehead University by netnewsledger
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Pow Wow 101 Lakehead University March 2013 by netnewsledger
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