tpifirst_nationThe 14th annual Northern College Traditional Powwow will be held at the Timmins Campus this weekend.

The powwow will feature performances by drums, dancers and singers from throughout Ontario and beyond, and will highlight customary aspects of Aboriginal tradition.

The theme of this year’s powwow is Honouring the Red Road. Traditional teachings describe the Red Road as a guiding path that aligns with positive values, including wisdom, love, courage, respect, humility, honesty and kindness. Teachings represent the Red Road as the centre stem of an eagle feather, an item which is central to many local Aboriginal ceremonies and activities.

“When we walk the good Red Road, we honour our traditions, our Elders, our name, our children, our parents, and mother earth,” says David Faries, Elder at Northern College. “That is why the eagle feather is a sign of hope. It reminds you to stay on the centre stem, where the good life is. It also reminds you that if you stray from the road – and you will, because you are human – you can always return to the road and the good life.”

Faries will once again serve as powwow Master of Ceremonies. He will be joined by Grandmother Roberta Oshkawbewisens, Grandfather Thomas Louttit and Arena Director Gerald Chum. Highridge Singers of Moose Factory will serve as host drum, with Poplar Singers of North Bay serving as co-host drum. They will be accompanied by lead dancers Maretta and Tim McGregor.

“We are very proud of the fourteen-year legacy that we’ve established with the Northern College Traditional Powwow,” says Fred Gibbons, President of Northern College. “Hosting cultural events is an important component of our commitment to providing opportunities for our students and community members to share their unique cultural experiences and perspectives. The powwow provides a terrific opportunity for all members of our community to celebrate the rich local Aboriginal cultures that we are fortunate enough to be a part of.”

Festivities will begin with the first grand entry at 12:00 – noon on Saturday. Information booths and traditional arts and crafts will be on display throughout the day. A fashion show and feast will be held at 5:00 p.m. A second grand entry will begin at 7:00 p.m. A third and final grand entry will be held at 12:00 – noon on Sunday. Festivities will conclude with giveaways and closing ceremonies at 4:00 p.m.

The event is family-friendly, free and accessible to the public. For more information or to register a vendor table, please contact Joseph Nakogee at 705.235.3211 ext. 2233 or nakogeej@northern.on.ca.