Are pow-wows the best way for people to learn about us?

By Holly Brodhagen 

With the season of pow-wow upon us, I find myself wondering about the impression these gatherings give to the general public.

Recently my daughters and I took part in a pow-wow that was in a very accessible place where the general public could be going about their business and walk through the grounds. This was different from many other gatherings, where people must intend on visiting the event.

I noticed a few things either through observation or conversation with people who passed through the grounds. Firstly, more non-native people passed through the pow-wow ground and had the opportunity to see first-hand what they had only seen in pictures or movies. Secondly, these passersby generally appreciated the beauty of the pow-wow and respected the etiquette of the circle. And thirdly, the pow-wow activities fed into the belief that this is what First Nations people are like: dancing to a drum in bright “costumes” and whooping.

My daughters and I take part in these gatherings as a way to meet up with old friends and take part in important aspects of our culture. We know the etiquette, we understand or seek to understand the importance of ceremonies that happen in the circle and we attempt to educate visitors when needed.

Until recently I always thought it was nice that visitors wanted to photograph my daughters in their dance regalia. Now I’m wondering if such photos serve as depictions of First Nations culture, or play into the “Indian” stereotype.

Should we be spending as much time educating the general public about our government systems, our family structures, and even our traditional diet beyond bannock and fry bread? I know that First Nations communities and organizations share news through newspapers and websites but are the people who access these from the general public or are they Native as well?

Is the reality of First Nations life as accessible to the general public as pow-wows? Should we invite the public to visit our communities or see how our elected governments function? Do we educate about how we exercise our hunting and fishing rights, or how we use traditional lands? Have we explained how we participate in economic development but in ways that protect our traditional lands?

I am not sure how we should approach this public education process, how we might invite Canadians in to see life as it is lived everyday in First Nations, as opposed to just seeing us participate in colourful ceremonies. Do we need to educate them at all or are we happy with the status quo?

Or am I over-thinking a simple sharing of our beautiful moments?

I welcome your thoughts and opinions. Please email me at askholly@gmail.com.

Holly Brodhagen is a citizen of Dokis First Nation. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work.