Along P.E.I.'s powwow trail

Patricia Bourque

for CBC News

August 20, 2018

This photo essay is part of an ongoing series aimed at showcasing P.E.I. stories through the eyes of local photographers. If you are a photographer interested in pitching a photo essay, please email compass@cbc.ca.

Kwe’! Hello!

Have you ever been to a powwow on P.E.I.?

Many people I know have either never been, or have attended but do not understand what is going on.

I thought there might be questions people had but were too afraid to ask.

I am going to share my experiences and the teachings I have received with you.

Within Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) the Mi’kmaq had what are traditionally known as mawi’omi or gatherings, which are commonly known as powwows. The powwow trail begins in Scotchfort, one of the three Abegweit First Nation reserves, at the beginning of June. The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of P.E.I. powwow (shown here) was at the Confederation Landing Park on Aug. 14 and 15. (Patricia Bourque)

The Native Council of P.E.I.’s 26th annual powwow (shown here) was at Panmure Island Aug. 18 and 19. The last powwow of the year happens on Lennox Island First Nation, on the second last weekend of August. (Patricia Bourque)

A powwow will go ahead rain or shine. Guaranteed. If it gets too wet outdoors, it will be moved indoors somewhere on the property. (Patricia Bourque)

The best way to describe a powwow is a gathering of families, neighbours and friends. We come together to celebrate life and Mother Earth. It is an opportunity to see our relations who live far away and meet new people. Nowadays, many will gather from other nations and territories, often travelling great distances to dance at each other's powwows. We socialize, dance, sing, share stories, and have a daily feast. All of this is open to the public. (Patricia Bourque)

If I was to compare, the Panmure Island powwow is much more traditional than the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of P.E.I. powwow. There are spiritual ceremonies that occur. These ceremonies can begin days before the official start of the powwow. A sacred fire is lit, and will stay lit until the last day. (Patricia Bourque)

Many will participate in sweats or other personal ceremonies before, during and after the powwow. I believe, and this is what was taught to me, that the whole powwow itself is a ceremony. We focus on a good way of life, healing for our communities, families and ourselves, so we live in a good way. The drum is central to this way of life, as it represents Mother Earth’s heartbeat. It is to this beat that we dance and sing. (Patricia Bourque)

MCPEI's powwow is more of a demonstration powwow as there is no sacred fire, and there are less protocols for things like photographing. However, it is important to know that they do have all the key components for a good powwow. It's a great opportunity to dance and drum proudly within the community, especially with so much pedestrian traffic and visitors stopping by from the cruise ships. As I’ve heard many times from elders, every opportunity we have to sing, dance and drum should be taken. (Patricia Bourque)

Every opportunity should be taken to participate because there was a time not long ago, when we were not allowed to do so. Historically, powwows and other ceremonial gatherings were illegal for First Nations to have or participate in. Traditions continued, but many would have them in hiding, away from the eyes of the Indian agents. In Canada, the Indian Act stopped the celebration of powwows until 1951, and they really started making a comeback in the early '60s. (Patricia Bourque)

Upon arriving, you may see signs: no drugs or alcohol allowed on grounds. Please respect this. Traditional powwows are sacred, and dancers and drummers live clean lives to respect and honour their spirit and Creator. Respecting this teaching is important, and ignoring it risks compromising the experience and ceremony of the traditional people who have chosen to walk this road. (Patricia Bourque)

Next, you will see vendors. Food, clothing, blankets and handmade traditional arts. These skills have been passed down from generation to generation and include Mi’kmaw baskets, birch bark items, beaded jewellery, porcupine quillwork pieces to name a few. Talk to the vendors and artisans, you may get some great stories there! (Patricia Bourque)

Much time will be put into creating regalia, with designs and symbols having unique meaning to the individual dancer. Some dancers never stop adding to their regalia and add eagle feathers, beaded or porcupine quilled pieces or medallions that were gifted to them, or which they have made. Dancers choose their style, and wear a regalia to match. For women, there is traditional, jingle and fancy shawl. For men, there is grass, traditional and fancy. In some regions you will find hoop dancers. Yes, they are beautiful to look at, but powwow protocol requires observers not to touch them, and ask permission to photograph dancers or drummers. (Patricia Bourque)

All powwows will have a central area, often called an arbor, which is the covered area for the drummers. Surrounding it is the area for the dancers. You will see and hear an MC who will help to organize and direct the dancers. He will keep everything flowing by directing which dance is to occur, make announcements and give teachings, often in a humorous way. (Patricia Bourque)

Grand entry begins at 1 p.m., but before this happens dancers and drummers begin arriving early. It can take hours to prepare and get dressed to dance by going over their regalia to make sure feather’s are tight, hair is braided, and moccasins are ready. Epekwitk powwows will attract people from across Mi’kma’ki territory and even further away, like the United States, and other areas of Canada. (Patricia Bourque)

Just before the grand entry begins, you will see a dance performed by the Grass Dancers, this blesses and flattens the grass to prepare the land for dancing. On the final day when they do the exit, a grass dancer will exit and close the space. (Patricia Bourque)

Grand entry is done at start time each day, with leaders and dancers entering through the east side of the grounds. The chiefs will lead, and will often carry staffs, or be accompanied by staff carriers. These staffs are sacred, given to chiefs, community leaders and elders within the community. After the staffs come the flags, followed by the dancers. Depending on the region or available flags, there will be the Mi’kmaw Nation Flag, the veteran flag, provincial flag, etc. The community will determine which flags will be used. Once all the flag carriers, and dancers enter the grounds, there will be a prayer by an elder. Next, a prayer for veterans and a special song will be played for veterans of all nations. (Patricia Bourque)

When the grand entry is finished, the singing, drumming and dancing will begin and continue all afternoon and sometimes into the evenings. Some powwows will have dance and hand drum competitions. Most powwows on Epekwitk will have fun dances where the public are welcomed to join in, such as the friendship or round dances, snake dance, spot dances, candy dance and the potato dance. But please remember when we dance, it is a part of us and is something we value. There is meaning behind each dance — it is not just for show. (Patricia Bourque)

Each day of the powwow, there will be a feast which is open to the public. In our culture, we mark important events with feasting to create memories. We share what we have with all visitors. On Epekwitk, we often have homemade bannock, traditional seafood, and stews. (Patricia Bourque)

Now it’s time to retire the flags. At the end of the day, we retire the flags until morning. On the last day, there will be a formal closing ceremony and dance where all the dancers and drummers are welcomed to exit the grounds, marking the end of the powwow. Powwows conclude with a closing ceremony, usually marked with the giveaway ceremony. During this event, elders, dancers, drummers, volunteers and children are honoured with gifts, toys and items donated by the vendors. Sometimes you will see a special gift being given from one person to another. Gifting is very traditional among First Nations. It is how we honour someone for accomplishments and achievements with prayers or medicines. During the closing there are lots of hugs, but no goodbyes because we will see one another again down the powwow trail. (Patricia Bourque)

Even in a small territory like Epekwitk, there are little differences you will notice between the powwows. Each gathering has a unique feel to it, and the differences should be celebrated. Feel free to ask questions, be open to the teachings and stories we share.

These are teachings I’ve learned, now I invite you to go out and find a powwow near you, start your own journey of learning and discovery.

Patricia Bourque

My name is Patricia Bourque. I am Mi’kmaw First Nation member of Lennox Island First Nation, from Epekwitk also known as Prince Edward Island. Located in the traditional territory of Mi’kma’ki. I am a visual artist, working with still images and cinematics.

My passion for photography has spread into photographing events of all sizes: sports, wildlife, live music and of course my Mi’kmaq Culture. I don’t think of myself as a technical photographer, I am self-taught in photography, trial and error — learn as I go — and from experience and observing other photographers I admire.

I prefer this natural learning over a classroom. I can stay true to who I am as an artist.

My work has been published in several national magazines such as BEC-Business Elite Canada, Toque and Canoe, and Canadian Geographic. www.trishab223.wordpress.com

Along P.E.I.'s powwow trail

Patricia Bourque

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