WHITE BEAR FIRST NATIONS -
As the drum beat escorted those that attended the White Bear First Nations Youth Powwow, the jingles and song could be heard across the grounds.
On May 31, the powwow was held at the White Bear grounds north of Carlyle on Highway 9.
Students from several local schools arrived just before 11 a.m. to take part in the ceremony that welcomed everyone. They all entered the circle and several carried flags which were placed at the front of the stage. The MC welcomed the students, staff and dancers.
Wacy Lavallee, a Cree teacher from Ochapowace First Nation, explained the meaning of the drums and the beat.
Several drum groups were on hand. The beat of the drum represents a mother’s heartbeat, as it is the first sound that a child hears when in their mother’s womb.
The spirit of the drum reconnects people to Mother Earth, the soothing and relaxing sound is to help people feel good and to let go of their troubles, as the drum beat is to help wash it away.
It is usually the men that beat the drums, and young boys are encouraged to take part in this, while women are welcome to join in song. The singing tells stories of past and present.
The drum groups select names, which has meaning to each of them, as they are sometimes from different First Nations.
Dorothy Joyea follows the powwows with her husband. They often dance in them, but they felt that this day was too hot.
Joyea has sewn many regalia, and the dress alone will take her eight hours to sew, while the beading can take a week or weeks to complete depending on the detail.
She made a jacket for special occasions, such as teaching about the dresses. This jacket was made from deer skin and is completely covered in beadwork with long fringes hanging from the sleeves. The jacket took her a year to finish.
“It is very heavy and extremely warm, as we often wear layers,” said Joyea.
At the powwow, she had made several of the dresses that the girls were wearing.
During the entrance for the ceremony, Const. Avery South of the Carlyle RCMP was present as one of the dignitaries.
When lunch break came, everyone who attended was treated to a free meal. This included burgers, hotdogs, watermelon, fruits, chips and drinks. The food and drinks were available through most of the day.
After lunch, the dance competition began with the jingles, pairs and fancy dances. Fancy includes a shawl made of many colours. The dances are traditional and have different styles.
As the afternoon ended, everyone was thanked for coming out and taking part in the White Bear First Nations Powwow.
