Honouring life at Genaabaajing Traditional Gathering

September 29, 2016

, the second is Little Miss Princess Genaabaajing wearing her crown with father Isadore and mother Angela alongside — Little Miss Princess Genaabaajing Waasayaa Day wearing her crown with her father Isadore Day, Ontario Regional Chief, and her mother Angela at the Genaabaajiing 26th Annual Traditional Gathering on September 17-18, 2016.

By Leslie Knibbs

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION—The Genaabaajiing 26th Annual Traditional Gathering took place on September 17 and 18 in Cutler, Ontario, after being rescheduled from an earlier August date because of a loss within the community.

Overcast skies at times with light showers did nothing to dampen the spirits of those who were in attendance; the sky cleared making for mostly sunny conditions on Saturday and Sunday. The theme this year, “honouring the gift of life”, had special significance because of the loss of young Connor Pelletier Commanda in a sudden, tragic motor vehicle accident in August this year.

Serpent River First Nation (SRFN) Chief Elaine Johnston spoke to those gathered, kindly speaking of those who went on into the Spirit World from the community. She spoke on how sacred life is, expressing her community’s sorrow for those members who passed this past year.

Chief Johnston made special mention of the Dakota oil pipeline protest in North Dakota where many First Nations from Turtle Island are supporting their brothers and sisters from the Standing Rock Reservation of Sioux People. A contingent from SRFN has already made the journey to Standing Rock at the Red Warrior Camp in support of the protest; a group from Whitefish First Nation began their journey west on Sunday, September 18. “People are fighting for our land and water, they are doing this for Mother Earth,” said Chief Johnston.

Chief Johnston reminded her people that they are all “people of the serpent,” and “the keepers of the water.” Chief Johnston continued by noting that “the water is for all creatures”.

Host Drum, Moose Town Singers journeyed from Obedjiwan First Nation, a village on the north shore of Gouin Resevoir in North Quebec. Robert Stoneypoint, from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, in his role as arena director kept the Pow Wow events streaming along like a sunny sparkling rivulet; dancers in full regalia flowed by dazzling the crowds with their talents.

Head male dancer was Wesley Cleland from the United States, while Tracy Recollet from Wikwemikong First Nation took on the head female dancer role. The Master of Ceremonies was Beedahsiga Elliott from Rama First Nation.

A highlight of the Pow Wow came on Sunday when three Princesses were crowned by Pow Wow coordinator Erica Hare. Waasayaa Day, daughter of Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day and Angela Trudeau were crowned Little Miss Genaabaajiing, Autumn Pelletier was runner-up. Mackenzie Jacobs was crowned Miss Genaabaajiing while Tracy Jacobs was also crowned.

Following the crowning of the three princesses, a welcoming song performed with the local drum group Genaabaajiing Singers, welcomed proud family members who joined in dance while other community members followed.