DEWE`IGAANS

i jus wanted to share an experience i had at a powwow held recently here in fisher river. i was on a late lunch so i was able to head over to the arbour for the grand entry on the last day. during the grand entry IRONSWING was asked to do a song and proceeded to do so. man, what a powerful energy surrounding these guys. i sat just off to the side and watched and as they were about to finish their song, the lead singer hit the drum one last time and a dancer came up and blew his eagle whistle, Ironswing barely paused before goin back at it, and with an increased energy in their beat! it was so beautiful, i cried, i couldnt help it. i have been on this path for only a brief period of time but it amazes me how beautiful these gifts are that the creator has given us. it made me want to jump off the stands and join the dancers in the arbour, that is what their song made me feel like. having that dancer blowing on his eagle whistle and watching other dancers join him at the edge of the circle, i was so thankful for being in that place at that time, it was so right and it affirmed for me that we have so much to share and that i was where the creator wants me to be. a week later i was supporting my aunt and uncle at a sundance in peguis, the things i felt and experienced in those 10 days spanning the powwow and sundance literally blows me away. for those of you on the powwow trail dancing and singing, i want to say kitchi meegwetch for what you do. it is not entertainment, it is harmony that you share. seeing the drums and the dancers in unison, it is difficult to find words to describe the emotions i felt. for those that sundance, thank you for sharing your experience. i am proud to be aniishinaabe, i love my culture and my history. stay strong my brothers and sisters.

meegwetch, ekosi.

little drum, bald eagle clan
peguis first nation