Pow Wow hopes to draw big crowds at Sutton DHS on September 24 & 25

By Michelle Poirier

The Chippewas of Georgina Island Pow Wow, back after a two-year hiatus, will be held at the Sutton District High School grounds on September 24 and 25.

“It feels wonderful to be back; I’m getting a lot of positive feedback on social media. People are really excited to attend,” said Lauri Hoeg, Pow Wow Coordinator.

“I think it will be a big crowd, and people will have lots of fun.”

Hoeg said the Pow Wow will be held outdoors where visitors can experience traditional drumming and dancing, and purchase items from First Nation food and craft vendors.

“They can look forward to celebrating First Nation culture,” Hoeg said.

The Grand Entry, one of the Pow Wow highlights, will take place at 12 noon and 6 p.m. on Saturday and 12 noon on Sunday.

The Pow Wow will wrap up when the sun goes down on Saturday and around 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is $2 per person and can be paid the day of the event, with registration opening at 11 a.m. each day.

There will be a sunrise ceremony, conducted by Elder Shelly Charles, on Sunday around 6:30 a.m. to welcome the day.

And Hoeg said there will also be a sacred fire where you can offer up your thanks to the Creator.

“Everyone is welcome to participate; if you would like to participate in a First Nation ceremony, that’s your chance to do so,” she said.

Hoeg, who is also the Indigenous Trustee for the York Region District School Board, said she’s excited to hold the Pow Wow at Sutton DHS, as it allows students to learn about First Nations and accumulate volunteer hours at the same time.

There is also ample parking available at the high school, an issue they faced along with transportation difficulties when they held the Pow Wow on Georgina Island in 2019.

“It’s a good way to enjoy First Nation culture; it’s a good way to build relationships, and it’s a healthy family event, as there’s no drugs or alcohol allowed there,” Hoeg said.

Routes Quest Bus offers free transportation to the Pow Wow on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To request a seat, call (905) 722-4616.

For more information about the Pow Wow, you can reach Hoeg at (289) 716-4193 or email her at lauri.hoeg@georginaisland.com. You can also find more information on Facebook at Chippewas of Georgina Island Pow Wow 2022.