Fort La Reine School in Portage la Prairie bursts with colour, music, and dance this Wednesday afternoon as students and community members gather on the school field for a vibrant powwow.
The event, marking the end of the school year and aligning with the approaching summer solstice, celebrates Indigenous culture, fosters community connection, and provides students with hands-on learning about tradition.
Grade 4 student Amelia, adorned in beautiful purple and black regalia from Ebb and Flow First Nation, shares her simple joy in participating. "To just have fun," she says, describing her outfit by saying, "It's very pretty."
Early years student Lauren adds that, "It's important because I learn to celebrate and learn about different cultures."
Months of planning culminate in celebration
Janelle Neyron, the Grade 8 teacher and powwow coordinator, spearheaded the event, planning starting a couple of months prior. She emphasizes its significance for student understanding and reconciliation.
"I think it's important for kids to take home that we are all treaty people, which is kind of the base of our understanding," Neyron states. "Some students may not have grown up with indigenous culture per se. So this way they can kind of learn about the history of Canada, and we can look forward to a bright future with all different cultures."
Neyron expresses immense pride and gratitude, noting the smooth-running day and strong turnout: "I am just so proud of all the kids here. It's so great to just see them all come together... I'm so appreciative to all the people who've helped make this happen."
Elder shares cultural significance and joy
Angela Roulette, an Elder and Knowledge Keeper with the Portage la Prairie School Division who works weekly with Fort La Reine students, beams with pride witnessing the school's first powwow. She explains the deep cultural roots and purpose of the gathering.
"Powwows... began when people got together and shared food, and next thing you know, they all hear a drum toll and then they're all singing, and then the next thing you know, they're dancing. So it's a celebration," Roulette shares. She underscores the profound importance of the drum, central to the ceremony. "The drum is a very healing part of our culture... the drum we call the grandfather, we have to respect that."
Roulette stresses the powwow's inclusivity and its role in fostering identity and connection. "Not only is it for indigenous people, it's for everybody... We're all one. You know, we need to treat each other with respect and kindness... new friendships made that powwow new relationships are you know, formed, and it's just a good gathering."
She is thrilled by the students' enthusiastic participation: "I'm so proud of these children, I thought there'd be a few who were hesitating, but no, they're ready, they're, they're raring, to go."
Roulette sees the event as a vital cultural and spiritual act, noting, "These kids aren't just learning. It might look like fun hopping around, but really, their spirits are being fed."
The powwow at Fort La Reine School serves as a powerful celebration of Indigenous culture, a lesson in history and treaty relationships, and a joyful community gathering, resonating with the drumbeat of unity and respect.