Singing and dancing brings healing and positive energy at the Minweyaang Round Dance
By Kelly Anne Smith
NIPISSING FIRST NATION—Nbiising Secondary School in Nipissing First Nation was the venue for the annual Minweyaang Round Dance on Saturday, March 2.
Cody McKenzie-Sackaney of Timiskaming First Nation is one committee member of several working to have the Minweyaang Round Dance a success for everyone. McKenzie-Sackaney explains the importance of the round dance.
“The original [intent] for a round dance is more tied towards ceremony. A lot of it has to do with healing, grieving, and a memorial. There is a memorial round dance, that’s where it originates from, how it’s usually supposed to go. Then, there is more of a social round dance. We are not really having a memorial round dance here because it’s done in a different way. But at the same time, there are some similarities there. There are still ceremonial aspects to it like a feast and a Pipe Ceremony.
McKenzie-Sackaney says it takes a whole team, committee, and a lot of help with much support to have the important event.
“It’s really geared towards healing, grieving, and also wellness. Wellness is a big part of it because for a lot of Indigenous people, when it comes to singing and dancing, it brings wellness. It brings healing and a lot of positive energy for us.”
After the Pipe Ceremony, the feast is served by men. Then the male drummers and singers set up in the middle of the gymnasium. Dancers join hands and dance in a circle around the singers and drummers.
Drummer and singer Nova Wajashk-Mowat, a six-year-old member of Dokis First Nation, joined the men while his mother, Ms. Regional Canada 2022 Nathalie Restoule, was singing and dancing. Restoule says the event was nicely organized.
“I would like to acknowledge all the workers that made it happen. I’m really happy that my son and I were able to make it out to enjoy an evening of singing and dancing. This space allowed my son to feel safe to join the older men around the table to sing, which makes me a proud mother. It’s beautiful to see many young people take part in this ceremony and lead the way!”
Other singers included Ivory Towegisheg, Mya Katt, Hazel Williams, William Ceibbie-McGrath, Michael Smith, Darren Nakogee, Niibin Nakogee, Jericho Mack, Cody McKenzie-Sackaney, Lester Mianskum, and Brennan Govender, who was also a stickman. Adrian Trudeau MC’d the event and Head Elder was John Matthews.
Samara McMartin, who was donning her beautiful new ribbon skirt, is a graduate of Nbiising Secondary School, and from Kebaowek First Nation, attended with partner Alex Andreyechen and his grandmother Lizette Andreyechen.
“I’ve just started getting into my culture recently in the last few years. I came to visit and see all my old teachers. It’s peaceful and awesome. I love it.”
The Community Service Learning Officer in Nipissing University’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Rachel Yordy, says there were 11 volunteer students including one Canadore College student, two Chippewa Secondary School students, and Nipissing University students. She explains that there were a number of organizations working together on the Minweyaang Round Dance, especially the Mînowacihewin or Mino program at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, which provides cultural support to Indigenous peoples for health and wellness. Bell Let’s Talk and Hampton by Hilton also sponsored.
“It’s something that they take a lead on but a whole bunch of us pitch in in different ways. (Nipissing First Nation) is offering space. The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is offering contributions financially and otherwise. The Foundation is part of the Health Centre and has been a key partner. This year, the Métis Federation has joined us and has representation. And everyone comes together and honours the protocols and the teachings around round dances. There is a component of honouring and saying prayers for your ancestors.”
Nipissing First Nation Dan Commanda talked of the gathering as filling a void.
“At this time of year, there’s not much happening. It’s always good to have a gathering where we can come together.”