Intertribals are for everyone!

By Sharon Weatherall

BEAUSOLEIL FN − Intertribal dances and pow-wows are for everyone.

“Intertribal means all are welcome and the celebration is to be shared by all people,” said Bob Goulais, emcee for the annual “Island in the Sun” Intertribal Pow-Wow which attracted over 300 participants to Christian Island on the July 5-6 weekend.

“An intertribal pow-wow is an event that welcomes all dancers and everyone joins in,” said Goulais, a citizen of Nipissing First Nation who is a familiar face on the Anishinabek Nation pow-wow circuit. “Dancers come from First Nation communities across Southern Ontario.

“The origin of the intertribal pow-wow came about in the Old West shows when our people came out in their finest regalia dressed up and riding horses to show audiences who were watching. The pow-wow is an opportunity for each community to gather and dance and celebrate the culture and tradition of our people.”

Arena Director for the event was Robert Stoneypoint, and host drum were the Poplar Singers.

During the opening afternoon of the Beausoleil pow-wow members of the newly-elected council were introduced: Chief Roly Monague − beginning his third term − Chief councillor Joanne Sandy, and councillors Adam Monague, Karry A. Sandy-McKenzie, Andrew Copegog and Cynthia King.

Chief Monague brought greetings to participants and visitors.

“It’s a beautiful day for a celebration of who we are as Anishinabe people. We give thanks to the Creator for this opportunity for us all to be together so let’s dance and have fun and support the vendors.”