NEWS RELEASE
BROCK UNIVERSITY
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The Ian Beddis Gymnasium was awash with colour, community and connection as the second annual powwow drew hundreds to Brock University on Jan. 17. Hosted by the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, the free public event featured a vibrant display of First Nations, Métis and Inuit music, dance, art and cuisine.
People from all nations gathered in shared celebration of culture, tradition and resilience as drum rolls roared through the air, music and song reverberated from the rafters and pure pride filled the hearts of all in attendance. The event began with a grand entry that welcomed Elders, veterans, Brock leaders, dignitaries and dancers in traditional regalia who presented various flags of significance.
A full day of dancing and music followed, bringing those from all nations and ages together to share their unique traditions and talents with the crowd. Some of the day’s drummers and dancers included Head Dancers Notorious Cree (James Jones), from Tallcree First Nation, and Marley Fairfield, from Six Nations of the Grand River; Host Drum Bear Creek; Co-Host Drum Old Style; and Invited Drum Young Tribe.
The powwow also featured a bustling vendor fair with a unique assortment of carefully handcrafted items as well as traditional foods like Indian tacos and strawberry juice. Third-year Public Health student and Hadiya'dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre Peer Assistant Sophia Carnovale served as this year’s powwow assistant co-ordinator.
A member of the Mohawk Wolf Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River, she has grown up going to powwows and been a dancer from a very young age. She was joined on Friday by numerous members of her family and her friends, who were all thrilled to take part in the day.
“A powwow feels like home to me because everything belongs — I belong — and being able to co-ordinate a powwow of my own was something I never envisioned being able to accomplish,” she said. “I am very proud of what the team and I have done and it’s been a wonderful opportunity to get everyone together under a Brock roof. “I’ve learned so much and have enjoyed being able to step up in this role to help shape the powwow and give back to the community.”
Cindy Biancaniello (Elder Anauta), Director of Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, said she heard nothing but resounding positivity from everyone in attendance. “They come here to heal, and when they hear that heartbeat of the drum, it’s just completely overwhelming — they get goosebumps,” said Biancaniello, who is Inuk and whose community is Qamani'tuaq (Baker Lake), Nunavut.
“Whether it’s their first Powwow or they’ve been doing it for 20 years, people become emotional, and I love watching their reactions as they experience this amazing gathering."
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