The Power of Family Memories series: Memphis Shawanda
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 Memphis Shawanda
Dancing and pow wow are medicine. Medicine for our spirit, for the land, and for our people. Dancing at pow wows was something that I’ve been doing ever since I was able to walk.
Every summer, my family and I would get ready for pow wows together. My mom and dad would make sure our trailer was ready to go and everyone’s suitcase and regalia were packed. We would go all over the place like to Chippewas of Rama First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River. One of my favourite memories I have is from the Rama First Nation pow wow three summers ago. In my category, there were a couple of boys who were Jr. Boys Traditional Dancers and I thought to myself, “Maybe I can place this weekend.” Pow wow and dancing were never about winning, but it was fun and something I loved doing.
Song after song, I danced hard. In between breaks, my mom would run me water and tell me, “Son you are doing a good job— awesome dancing!” My mom was my best friend and I liked when she watched me dance. She was so happy. She loved watching everyone else dance, too, like my dad and sisters. Pow wow brought us all together as a family and we also made some really good pow wow friends and family.
At the end of the weekend, I ended up being the champion dancer in my category! When they called my name, “And in first place… Memphis Shawanda!” my whole family cheered. My mom had a huge smile. I was so happy. I danced really hard for my family and for myself that weekend. Looking back, that was probably one of my favorite memories. Placing first in the competition and having my mom be super proud of me.
Sadly, my mom was called back home to the Spirit World earlier this year. A lot of our time was spent on the pow wow trail. We all looked forward to that time together. I knew after hockey season was done that pow wow season was around the corner and my mom was probably busy making new regalia or beadwork or planning where to go first.
I will miss her but especially during pow wow season. When I can, I will dance hard. Dance for healing—for my family and I — and dance in honour of my mom, Corrina-baa. My mom is at the best and biggest pow wow ever now in the Spirit World. I know she will continue to be there outside of the circle watching me dance to the beats of the drum forever.