Mid-winter powwow unites Fort Erie in friendship and tradition

The mid-winter powwow at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (FENFC) was a time for people to come together, to forget about political division and conflicts taking place in the world.

This was the message delivered by Myeengun Henry, who was the event’s “elder for the day,” during opening remarks to the powwow shortly after the grand entry.

He acknowledged that the War of 1812 was fought locally, but that’s not the most important part of the lands everyone was gathered on Saturday at the annual event.

“It’s the spiritual significance of this land, the water that feeds us all,” he said in his speech in front of hundreds of people who joined in the celebration.

He said it is special to be in a “sacred spot where we can share our language, our dances, our songs.”

It’s also vital to pass on teachings of positivity to the younger people in attendance and in our everyday lives.

“We walk this Earth in a good way so we can send our next generation a message of love,” said Henry.

At about 1:30 p.m., an hour and a half after the powwow started, a large line had formed with people waiting to get in.

The event is always well-attended, said FENFC executive director Geralda Jamieson.

“It’s a celebration for us to get everyone together,” she said in an interview with Fort Erie Radio.

There were dozens of dancers and four drum groups who played a role in the spectacle at the centre on Buffalo Road.

Powwow co-ordinator Shannon Cotter said the annual gathering is always glad to bring out people who have haven’t attended before.

“It’s about sharing allyship and friendship,” said Cotter.

“We’re a friendship centre, so we’re happy to welcome people,” she said.

FENFC has been hosting an annual powwow since 1994 but only for a little over a decade has it been held in the winter.

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