Aboriginal drumming and dancing filled Victoria Island Sept. 17 at Carleton’s first annual Kikinamagan Powwow, an event that welcomed new aboriginal students to Ottawa.
Although Carleton has hosted powwows in the past, this was the first time it hosted a city-wide powwow, according to organizer Mallory Whiteduck from Carleton’s Centre for Aboriginal Culture and Education.
“We wanted to reach out and build connections between aboriginal students in the Ottawa area,” Whiteduck said, explaining why Carleton decided for the first time to partner with Algonquin College and the Cree School Board for the powwow.
“Often aboriginal students are leaving very tight-knit communities where their culture is represented all around them,” she said. “When they come to the big city, it can be hard to connect with other people or not see your culture.”
“We’re hoping the powwow will provide a sense of home for these students when they get to Ottawa.”
The event featured traditional First Nations drumming and dancing, with special performances from Metis and Inuit groups. The event allowed for a showcase of colourful traditional costumes, native arts and crafts, and aboriginal spirituality.
Faith Decontie, a third-year anthropology student at Carleton, was the lead female dancer in the powwow. These types of programs help aboriginal students find common ground, she said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re from an urban environment or rural community, from up north to down south, everyone knows about powwows,” she said.
The powwow builds a sense of confidence and identity in aboriginal students, Decontie said.
“At this age, you’re learning and finding yourself . . . you are seeking something. I think it’s important when you start [post-secondary school] you can find something to help you claim your own identity.”
Cultural events like these also help her cope with university life, she said.
“When you’re dancing, it’s a stress reliever. While you’re on that ground and you’re dancing, you feel something within yourself and feel alive. Then you don’t have to worry about that midterm coming up,” Decontie said.
Not only does the powwow offer a source of community and identity for Ottawa aboriginal students, but it can also be a way of showcasing and educating others on aboriginal traditions.
Anne Miller, a non-aboriginal second-year economics student at Carleton, said she jumped at the chance to attend her first powwow.
“I find other cultures really interesting. I don’t have any culture to identify with, so I think it’s great to learn about other peoples culture,” Miller said.
Decontie said she’s happy to share her culture.
“We have a lot to offer. We don’t discriminate. We invite everyone in,” she said. “As long as you’re open to it, come on in.”
(Photo by: Marina von Stackelberg)
