Elders in the limelight at the Nipissing First Nation 37th Annual Powwow
By Kelly Anne Smith
NIPISSING FIRST NATION—The sun was shining on the Nbisiing Nishnaabeg 37th Annual Dewegigewaad in Garden Village as dancers moved in the circle. The National Film Board was there with a full crew filming Nipissing First Nation Elders as they enjoyed themselves at the pow wow.
Nipissing First Nation citizen Evelyn Pakinewatik took a moment from directing the shoot to talk about Living Memory, her four-part short documentary.
“This is the project that has defined my career. This is why I became a filmmaker, to document the love that these people have for the community; the love that I have for them; the love the community has for them.”
With the clock ticking, Pakinewatik is working swiftly to focus on four of her teachers.
“The four subjects that we are visiting today are Tracey Larochelle, Leland Bell, Dan Commanda, and Susan Fitzmaurice. I chose these four teachers because they are people who love to learn from their students. They are people who are very invested in culture but they are very invested, more so, in humanity. They are trying to build a global Indigenous future.”
Elders are featured in Living Memory which is slated to screen in 2026, but Pakinewatik is also reaching out to youth.
“I’m trying to encourage the young people to go and find those safe teachers in their communities and to sit with them, to encourage those intergenerational relationships, and to encourage listening, and to encourage watching and learning in every sense.”
In the circle, Natalie Wajashk Restoule of Dokis First Nation joined her family dancing.
“I always enjoy coming to Nipissing Pow Wow. It’s nice to see everybody came out and just enjoy themselves. Every year, I feel like pow wows are growing, which is really good. And allowing the outside community to come in and learn more about the beauty that we have to offer and share. This is a good place to learn and share stories. I learned from my family and friends about the circle. It’s like a second home to me. That’s why it’s really special to come back here. I think when everybody comes in the circle, they feel that sense of family. Days like this are really special.”
Head Dancer and co-director of Aanmitaagzi, Sid Bobb, talked about students in the Summer Arts Program.
“We took our program to three pow wows: Temagami, Six Nations, and then to Garden River. And then we went to a Bear Island gathering with Christine Friday up in Temagami. Then we went over to Sturgeon Falls for the Future in Safe Hands. And then all the youth got to help to put their hands on the new Eagle Staff.”
Bobb explained that when Dan Commanda needed help cleaning the feathers for the new Eagle Staff, Aanmitaagzi summer students offered their support.
“Because the pow wow was coming, we said, ‘Bring the eagles over and we’ll help you with that.’ They were all honoured to do that. In our program, we have so many fantastic pow wow dancers and singers: Head Youth Male Dancer Waseskwan Linklater, he’s a young man who’s a champion singer and dancer and Mya Katt. We have future leaders like Albany Benson. She’s doing great work. Each youth has their own gift. We’re there to help foster those gifts,” recalled Bobb. “The youth also got to help with the Elders’ luncheons – serving the Elders, prepping the food, preparing the space. Ken Dokis, one of the Elders from Nipissing, said, ‘Each one of you is going to do something great in your life.’ He knows it. He said he did all this police work for the community, so he’s done something. And he knows they will all do something. And that’s how we look at it. We’re just here to help with their earth walk and try to give them gifts that might help them along.”
Bobb says he and co-director Penny Couchie are so proud of the group.
“My granddaughter was there. And they were all so loving and caring with her. They provided this really beautiful environment and she’s fallen in love with the drumming and singing. And when the youth were singing, she would start bouncing and dancing. And she was here for the first-time dancers’ special. I’m always inspired by them and I hope they hang onto that love that they carry.”
Nipissing First Nation Grandmother Dot Beaucage-Kennedy says the event is warmly open to all visitors.
“We have extended family and we include everybody in the Medicine Wheel; all nations, all humans are welcome. The only stipulation we have is no alcohol and no animals on the dance arena. Everybody’s welcome as long as they follow the rules. It’s for everybody. And everybody is allowed on the dance circle. We are more than happy to share. This is a celebration for us. This is what we used to do, years ago. It’s very important that we keep up the tradition. I’m 81 now. I’ve been dancing for 41 years. I do this dancing. I do the other dancing. And I’ve been on the pow wow trail.”
Head Female Dancer Kelsey Borgford created her Woodland-style regalia by hand.
“It’s a Woodland strap dress,” says Borgford. “It’s made out of wool, so it’s a little hot.”
Borgford wears a Shannon Koostachin bag.
She says she’s excited to see everybody and offers a message to the youth.
“Just get out there. Honestly, I know a lot of people, and especially young people, think everyone is watching them and they get a little nervous, but I promise you everyone is just in their own zone. When I dance, I literally look down. I don’t even pay attention,” she laughs. “I’m sure no one else is paying attention. And if you feel the urge to get out there and feel moved by it, I just encourage you to get out there and dance. Just moving your body, even spiritual, too, and committing to that movement. Even if it’s only for a short amount of time, your body will thank you for it.”
The eminent MC Bob Goulais spoke about the preparations for the new Nipissing First Nation Eagle Staff.
“We’ve got a brand-new Eagle Staff being brought in to the community for the very first time. We did the feast for it on Thursday. They’ve been working on it for the last three months or so to get it ready. There’s lots of beautiful beadwork on that staff. It has the insignia of our First Nation, which is the deer and the antlers and the deer toes on the top of the Eagle Staff. It was brought in by our Chief (Nipissing First Nation Gimaa Cathy Stevens). It’s now going to be part of our gatherings as we go into the future.”
Goulais talked about the draw to the popular pow wow.
“It’s exciting because there are a lot of specials. That’s what pow wow people like to see are specials and activity. It brings in a lot more drums. It brings in a lot more dancers. We have lots to look forward to all weekend.”
Arena Director Tory Fisher says it’s nice to come together again.
“It’s so beautiful to see everyone just come out, let go and celebrate this beautiful life we have.”
Fisher commented on the medallion he was wearing.
“It’s new. It’s my megis. This was gifted to me in ceremony through Midewiwin Lodge. I offered some semaa to continue my learning and spiritual growth.”
Many vendors sold their crafts, and information booths were busy while dancers and patrons lined-up for traditional pow wow foods. Head Elders were Evelyn McLeod and Peter Beaucage, while Jacie Martel was Youth Head Female dancer.