Mini Pow Wow brings culture, connection, and celebration to Dokis First Nation

By Carley Lambert

DOKIS FIRST NATION — Children, families, and community members gathered in Dokis First Nation on September 29 for a Mini Pow Wow that brought students together to dance, learn, and celebrate their culture.

Organized by Nathalie Restoule, Cultural Coordinator for Dokis First Nation, the pow wow welcomed students from Kikendawt Kinoomaadii Gamig, Monetville Public School, and Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, bringing students and community members together.

Restoule said she wanted to offer the community a different way to mark Orange Shirt Day, which has traditionally included a community march and lunch.

“I wanted it to be more of a celebration day rather than it be a time of mourning,” Restoule says. “And I think celebration is an important part of our healing.”

Through this pow wow, Restoule wanted to create an opportunity for young people to connect with their culture and see the joy that dancing and singing can bring.

“I thought a pow wow was the perfect way to give that back to them,” she said.

Restoule estimated that more than 200 people attended the pow wow, which she organized in partnership with Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services.

The pow wow featured emcee Jordan Mowat, Head Elder Perry McLeod-Shabogesic, Host Drum High Ridge, and Invited Drum Indian Road.

Restoule said she was happy to see so many children taking part, including some who are usually more shy.

“Most of them were always up and dancing,” Restoule says, noting how students showed off their regalia and proudly shared what they were wearing. “Having that circle never empty spoke volumes for the success of that day.”

Colleen McKinnon, Special Education Resource Teacher for Monetville Public School, said the gathering was welcoming and inclusive, giving students and staff an opportunity to participate while connecting with families and community members.

“The Mini Pow Wow gave our Indigenous students an opportunity to open up and shine as members of our broader school community,” McKinnon says.

One moment that stood out to McKinnon was seeing a student from Dokis First Nation dancing proudly in his regalia alongside his classmates.

“It was incredible to see how proud he was to share his culture with his classmates,” McKinnon says.

Another student, who had initially insisted she would not dance in public, ended up dancing whenever she had the opportunity.

“It was truly heartwarming,” McKinnon says.

Beyond the dancing, students learned about cultural traditions, including the significance of flags being brought into the pow wow circle. McKinnon also noted how students learned concepts such as patience through games.

The pow wow built on an existing relationship between Monetville Public School and Kikendawt Kinoomaadii Gamig, which McKinnon described as a sister school. Monetville Public School had previously visited Dokis First Nation for a wilderness hike in June.

For visiting students, the Mini Pow Wow was a memorable experience. McKinnon said many described it as one of their best field trips and have repeatedly asked when they could attend another pow wow.

Restoule said inviting students from other schools is an important part of building relationships, giving children opportunities to share what they know about their culture while learning alongside their peers.

“It was just a day of celebration and just realizing, you know, this is ours. This is ours to celebrate,” Restoule says. “And, you know, that we should take up space.”

Restoule said she hopes young people have opportunities to celebrate their culture and take pride in who they are, and would like to see the Mini Pow Wow become an annual event.

“It just goes to show how much it’s really valued from our young people, and I think they deserve to have that opportunity.”