McGill pow-wow connects community

First Peoples’ House hosts annual celebration of aboriginal culture

McGill University and its First Peoples’ House are proud to present the Seventh Annual pow-wow, a celebration of the art and culture of indigenous peoples on Friday, Sept. 19.

McGill’s lower campus will be transformed, with exhibitions of traditional dances, drumming, Inuit throat singing and native crafts during the day-long celebration.

“This event is a fun learning experience for people of all ages and backgrounds, because everyone is encouraged to participate, by supporting the vendors, dancers and cheering on the throat singers,” said Courtney Montour, Acting Co-ordinator, First Peoples’ House. “It’s a diverse event designed for all to enjoy and learn.”

Hoop dancing demonstrations, Iroquois and pow-wow singing and dancing, and a performance by Inuit throat singers will highlight the festivities. The event will welcome community groups such as the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal and Quebec Native Women Inc. High school students from Kahnawake, Kanesatake and Akwesasne will also attend educational workshops at the pow-wow. There will be Cree storytelling by Elma Moses, a McGill PhD student in the Faculty of Education, and a spoken word performance by Taqralik Partridge, Inuk spoken-word artist, writer. A performance by Kuujuaq throat singers will round out the festivities.

What: McGill’s First Peoples’ House seventh annual pow-wow
Where: McGill University downtown lower campus
When: Friday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ceremonial pow-wow grand entry at 9 a.m.

“On Sept. 19, we celebrate our culture, art, and history,” said Montour. “With the participation of students, alumni, and community, I’m confident a fun and educational day will be enjoyed by all.”

On the web: https://www.mcgill.ca/fph/events/