Oromocto First Nation held its first powwow in more than 30 years on Saturday.
"It's just such an uplifting feeling. It just makes your heart beat with the drum," said Chief Shelley Sabattis.
Sabattis is the first female chief Oromocto First Nation has ever seen. She said one of the first things she wanted to do was bring the traditional powwow back to her people.
“Overwhelming amount of pride going through my body right now,” said Sabattis. “It was just amazing how everyone helped. We worked our butts off."
Chief Sabattis says there was a feeling it was time to bring everyone together, regroup, and celebrate who they are.
The community was only too happy to go along.
"This is all their own initiative,” said head dancer Nipahtuwet Naka Wespahtuwet Posseso. “This community did this on their own. No one told them to do this. It's something they wanted to do. They went out, they found it, and they did it – and it's so beautiful."
Traditional dance and drumming, food and aboriginal talent was on display, all on the land that's considered the original reserve.
It all seemed to inspire the younger generation.
"It feels good. I see all the men and the girls and all the pretty outfits. It's a wonderful day out," said youngster Liam Paul.
An encouraging sentiment for the older generation, who are hopeful that things are improving for their people across the country.
"There's been such a track record of damage being done in recent history,” said Nipahtuwet Naka Wespahtuwet Possesom. “We don't need little bit by little bit anymore. We need everything. Now. "
There are about 700 members of the Oromocto First Nation. And on Saturday, it looked like most of them had come together to celebrate a new beginning with a timeless tradition.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Laura Brown.
