The Power of Family Memories series: Lisa Osawamick
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 E’Dbendaagzijig to submit their favourite pow wow memory they share with their family for the series: The Power of Family Memories.
Family can be a group people you are related to or a group of special people that have become your family along the way. Family can be something different for everyone – but whatever your family looks like, it’s your family! Do you and your family plan your summers around the pow wow trail? Did your auntie make you your first regalia? Let’s celebrate pow wows together!
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.
By Lisa Osawamick
There will always be so many pow wow memories to recall.
Pow wows are a special type of gathering that bring all of us together to share time, laughter, stories, songs, and dances. There is so much to look forward to when you know you are travelling to a pow wow; craft vendors with the baddest beaded bling, the best Indian Tacos and corn soup to feast on! But most important is making the best pow wow memories with the people you love. This picture represents love, happiness and pride. Welcoming my partner Niigaan Batoo into the dancing circle with his first-ever regalia and first time dancing Men’s Woodland.
It was an amazing process to watch this beautiful Woodland regalia come together! My sister Aileen Fox Plant worked at the sewing and putting it all together—working tirelessly for two weeks straight! It eventually became a team effort at one point where all of us helped out with tracing and cutting the floral patterns for the appliqué! Other pieces of his regalia came from his nephew Nimkii, his late father Adolphus-baa, and the odds and ends from my mother Martina and me.
The war bonnet he is wearing was also worn by my late stepdad, Ronald-baa. My mother was more than happy to loan it to him as it is meaningful to her, which further made this day extra special. It also sweetened the moment when we got to see Niigaan Batoo dance with it on in the pow wow circle.
Pow wows are not only a gathering but can play such an important role in our very own healing journey. When we are welcomed into the pow wow circle, we feel included— we have a sense of belonging, pride, confidence, healthy living and healthy relationships, and feeling grounded. The smiles on our faces is a testament to exactly this.
We are so very grateful for this pow wow memory and that we were able to attend a handful of pow wows in the summer 2021! When we needed it most, we look forward to dancing and travelling together in 2022!
Chi-miigwech!