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
Poilievre preferred among Conservatives, but Charest favoured by Canadians: poll
Ontario MP Pierre Poilievre remains the heavy favourite to be the next Conservative party leader but he trails opponent Jean Charest for support among Canadians as a whole.

Amber Alert for two Sask. children extended into South Dakota
An Amber Alert issued on Monday for two Saskatchewan children has been extended into South Dakota. Saskatchewan RCMP say evidence uncovered during their investigation suggests the children may be in the U.S. state.
Ontario nurse facing charges after alleged assault that left 2-year-old in hospital
An Ontario nurse is facing charges in connection with the alleged assault of a two-year-old boy with “significant medical limitations” in Niagara Region.
How one Canadian family of five is coping with the highest inflation in years
With inflation rising at its fastest pace in nearly 40 years, the cost of everything from food to gas has skyrocketed. Canadians across the country are feeling squeezed, but big families with multiple children are at times shouldering much of the higher costs — and changing demographics and consumer patterns have left some of them more exposed to inflation than in previous generations.
EXCLUSIVE | 'Train surfer' under police investigation speaks about his dangerous adventures
The man who claims to be one of the people seen 'surfing' on the roof of a moving subway train in Toronto is speaking exclusively to CTV News about his stunts and the looming threat of a police arrest.
Exposure to synthetic 'forever chemical' linked to liver cancer, study finds
Exposure to synthetic ‘forever chemicals’ often polluting the environment has been linked to the most common type of liver cancer, according to a recent study.
2,300-year-old Chinese chemistry formula deciphered after analyzing ancient coins
The ingredients in a 2,300-year-old ancient Chinese chemistry formula have finally been identified, revealing new secrets about metallurgy in ancient China.
Heavier flow, breakthrough bleeding reported among some individuals after COVID-19 vaccine: study
A new study found that people with regular menstruation cycles and those who typically do not menstruate either experienced a heavier flow or breakthrough bleeding after being vaccinated against COVID-19.
Saskatoon woman made checklist while planning abduction, court documents allege
A Saskatoon mother made an apparent 'checklist' while planning to vanish with her son, according to court documents