‘A pow wow to remember’ series: Cynthia McCutcheon
In a continued effort to lift everyone’s spirit during this time where we are all staying home, the Anishinabek News did a call out to the Anishinabek Nation to submit their fondest pow wow memory. The spring series is called: A pow wow to remember.
Some go to pow wows to see the beautiful regalia. Others go to feel the strength of the beating drum. Some go to connect with family and friends. One way or another, pow wows draw us all in for one reason or many, but above all else, it’s to come together and celebrate us and those who came before us. Our traditions. Our culture. Our language. Our authenticity and identity. While the 2021 pow wow season may be impacted by the global pandemic, let’s use our memories from pow wows past to help us maintain our strength and perseverance.
The Anishinabek News hopes this series brings you light and hope during these challenging times of uncertainty, and inspiration to keep moving forward on your journey – whatever it may be; or maybe even dance.
The 2021 Great Lakes Pow Wow Guide can be found here.
By Cynthia McCutcheon, Red Rock Indian Band
Gimiwon Kwe ndizhnikaaz, makwa ndodem, Opwaaganisiniing nendaa, Baawating ndoonjibaa, anishinaabe kwe endow.
My favourite powwow memory is the very first one that all three generations danced in regalia at our annual home community’s powwow, Opwaaganisiniing, Red Rock Indian Band, Lake Helen Reserve. My daughter was one-and-a-half years old. It was the farthest that we travelled to attend a powwow: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Lake Helen Reserve, Ontario.
My mom, Althea Morriseau, carried the shawl that my granny, Dolores Morriseau, and I made for my very first regalia, Fancy Shawl. The shawl has a wolf howling at the moon in a bear paw, to represent my spirit guide and clan. My regalia is in my colours. My mom is also wearing a ribbon skirt that I made and a shirt designed by our cousin, Janelle Wawia, with the ‘We Are Still Here’ design. My husband, Robert McCutcheon, was wearing the ribbon shirt that I made him, but he was taking the picture. His ribbon shirt has a sun and feathers on it. My regalia was made by the talented Kristol Abel and breastplate by Liz Webkamigad. My daughter’s regalia was made (short notice) by Wahsay Schuyler: bear paws to represent her mother, a sun to represent her father, and a rainbow because she is our rainbow baby, in her colours.
I first started dancing when I was in my last year of university. It was not until university that I started learning more about the culture. I learned how to dance from a younger cousin. I was taught to dance for those that could not. My mom started even later in life, as a Nokomis (grandma). I love how there are free classes online now to learn different styles of powwow dance and even how to make regalia. It makes me happy that my daughter and my son Finn will have these teachings and experiences early on. Culture is so important.
Our family puts the powwow on every year. It is a lot of work. They fundraise all year round. We enjoy serving the food, serving Elders and helping to clean up. It was very special to show my daughter and husband.
Our favourite pow wow foods are Indian tacos, scone dogs, and freshly-squeezed lemonade. Rob loves salt pork and strawberry drink. Regan and Nanny love to dance. Nanny loves to watch the beautiful regalia. Mom loves to shop, listen to the drums and singers and watch people dance. My favourite dance has always been the 49er! Rob loves to take in the sights, sounds and salt pork. We also enjoy visiting. This powwow was special because we got to visit with family.
I was gifted a fan from a visiting dancer and singer/drummer because I had this beautiful new regalia, but my fan was old and had seen better days. I also won second place for women’s traditional. It was definitely a powwow to remember.