Fort Folly First Nation is hosting its third annual Youth Powwow this weekend, with events beginning Friday evening at Dorchester Consolidated School.
Nicole Porter is the Mi’kmaq Cultural Coordinator and main organizer, said preparations have been in full swing all week at the community centre.
“The countdown’s on for our third annual youth powwow, happening here at the Dorchester School this coming weekend,” Porter said.
A weekend of celebration
A powwow – or Mawio’mi in Mi’kmaw – is a gathering rooted in ceremony, music and dance. Porter said this year’s event is open to everyone and aims to celebrate children and culture together.
Hear the full story below.
Friday night begins with a social in the Dorchester School gymnasium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with music starting at 6. The evening features performances by Chantel and Nicholas LeBlanc, Mount Allison students of Acadian and Mi’kmaq descent, followed by the band Hello Crows. Activities and glow sticks will be available for children.
Porter called the evening a chance to “kick off our powwow in a good way.”
The celebration continues Saturday. Vendors will begin setting up late in the morning. The grand entry starts at noon, followed by an afternoon of dancing, teachings and community gathering. The powwow is expected to close by 4:30 p.m. with a giveaway.
Youth engagement grows
Porter said the youth of Fort Folly are becoming more engaged with their culture each year, taking pride in their regalia and learning new dances.
“There’s that shift and there’s more of them than there is adults now,” she said. “And I’ve noticed that since I first started going to the circles of the powwows, that it’s now flipping and so the kids are seeing it. Now they’re embracing it.”
News of the event has also spread to other communities, Porter added.
“I’m hearing the talks and the whispers when I’m at the other community powwows and, you know, they’re like, ‘Oh, are you going to the Fort Folly powwow?’ And I’m like, ‘Can’t wait to see you there.’ There’s definitely talk in the other communities of bringing the youth down too.”
Community preparations
In the days leading up to the powwow, members of the community have been stopping in to help sew regalia and prepare candy bags for children. Those bags are part of the traditional candy dance, when children join the circle and receive a treat afterwards.
Honouring children past and present
While the social, dancing and children’s activities create a festive atmosphere, Porter said the event began three years ago with a more serious purpose. The first youth powwow coincided with Truth and Reconciliation Day as a way to honour children who never returned from residential schools, survivors, and the generations to come.
“They are gifts from our creator and they should be honoured in a good way,” Porter said. She invites all to, “Come and have fun and dance with us and learn at the same time.”
The Fort Folly Youth Powwow begins Friday evening at Dorchester School and continues Saturday with the grand entry at noon. Everyone is invited.
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