Oromocto First Nation attracts hundreds for 7th annual powwow
Oromocto First Nation is hosting its 7th annual powwow this weekend, attracting people from all across Wabanaki -- the Atlantic provinces.
Settlers were also invited to join in on the festivities, including local dignitaries Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy, MLA Mary Wilson, and Mayor Bob Powell.
"We invite a lot of our neighbours from our communities to come and participate, just to see them and welcome them and just to celebrate with us,” said Shelley Sabattis, Oromocto First Nation's chief.
"It makes me proud, I feel hope towards reconciliation and it's good on the heart,” said Dr. Allan Sabattis-Atwin of Oromocto First Nation. “I hope that it touches their heart and they understand the work that's needed to move forward together."
The powwow is a chance to gather people from all across Wabanaki to share culture and community.
"It's about continuing to celebrate myself and my community and my culture,” said Nisa Kennedy, from Sitansisk, also known as St. Mary's First Nation.
“I think there's still a lot of education that's still happening but we still have a lot further to go."
"I wasn't raised with my culture due to my grandfather’s passing at a young age, so this is a way for me to reconnect to my culture,” said James Martin, who attended the powwow Saturday. “A lot of the culture is gone and resources are hard to find."
From food vendors to Wabanaki wares -- it's also a chance for people and Indigenous-owned businesses to network.
"I think it's a really big part of building community and networking, making sure we all know where everyone is and what everyone is doing,” said Collin Alexander, with the Indigenous Tourism Association.
The powwow also gives children a way to express their love and knowledge of their culture.
"We kind of think of it as our own day to celebrate,” Sabattis said.
“It's very touching to see all of the youth, their colours are just beautiful, their passion, their expression, their love for their culture and their community is just beautiful."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.