Corn Moon Powwow Celebrates Culture, Community and Tradition
On Wednesday, St. Clair Catholic students and staff had the opportunity to experience and honour the harvest season at the Corn Moon Powwow, hosted at St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Wallaceburg.
This social gathering brought people together to dance, sing, and celebrate with the Corn Moon Powwow recognizing the season of harvest.
Students from St. Elizabeth, Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig Elementary in Walpole Island, and Ursuline College Chatham attended all day, while senior students from Christ the King, Holy Family, and Sacred Heart Port Lambton participated in the afternoon.
“It’s a celebration of life,” says Cedric Isaac of Bkejwanong Territory. “When the students leave here, I hope they learn to respect the songs, where they came from, and respect our people in general because we’re sharing. We’re sharing our beliefs, our music and our dances.”
The day began with an honoring residential school survivors, family members of survivors, and those who never made it home.
Students watched the drummers, singers, and dancers from Bkejwanong Territory, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Eelünaapéewi Lahkéewiit, and Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, with excitement and curiosity. They showcased a variety of Powwow dance styles, including traditional, fancy and jingle dances, and students even had the chance to join in and participate in spot dances.
Isaac, who works with St. Clair Catholic schools to teach students about Indigenous culture, says dance is a powerful way to connect with the youth. “Music to them is special, rather than just lecture, we dance for ourselves, but we also dance for people who can’t dance. I hope they realize it feels good to dance. Don’t be ashamed of who you are, and don’t be ashamed of who we are.”
Students were also able to explore a variety of interactive stations, including a display on trapping, fishing and hunting with Rocky and Jesse Sands as well as Jordan Ermatinger, as well as a hands-on corn husk activity with Leighann Isaac. Another station featured the canoe in the CBC film Canoe, Carry Me Home by Anishinaabe filmmaker Derek Sands, Bkejwanong Territory. St. Clair Catholic’s Gizhwaasod, Coaching for Youth Success, Team were also leading interactive tables to connect with students through games.
“This is a real testament to partnership” said St. Clair Catholic CEO/CEdO Lisa Demers. “We are so grateful to have Indigenous partners that are here to celebrate the season together and to share their knowledge with all of our students.”
A special acknowledgment to the following students who shared their gift of dance and leadership with their fellow students:
- Miss Bkejwanong, Hailee Pinnance, Women’s Fancy
- Male head dancer, Xander White, Bkejwanong Territory, grade 11 UCC student
- Female head dancer, Cypress Deleary, Bkejwanong Territory, former Miss Potawatomi
- Maddox Whiteye, St. Elizabeth, Youth Grass Dancer
- Miah Jacobs, St. Elizabeth, Youth Fancy
- Charleigh Jacobs, St. Elizabeth, Youth Jingle
- UCC's Kidwin Zhiiwngaak Flag Carriers, Malcolm Kicknosway, Athena Williams, Aurora Williams, Aysha Holland, Ashlynn Druer-Shipman
