The Eskasoni International Competition Powwow, slated for July 3 to July 5, officially kicks off the summer powwow season in Nova Scotia. Five others are planned during July, August and September.
Atlantic Canada’s biggest international competition powwow, the Eskasoni event features participants from across the region as well as the Opaskwayak Cree Nation from Manitoba and the Kiowa Nation from Oklahoma.
“Eskasoni’s 24th annual powwow will be epic this year,” said Eskasoni Chief Leroy Denny. “If you haven’t experienced a Mi’kmaq powwow before and always wanted to see one, come visit us.”
A powwow or mawiomi is a Mi’kmaq social gathering for feasting, singing and dancing.
Eskasoni’s powwow also features a performance on July 4 by A Tribe Called Red, an Ottawa-based, aboriginal electronic music group that blends hip hop, reggae and dub-step influenced dance music with elements of First Nations music, particularly chanting and drumming.
Powwow’s are also scheduled for the following communities:
–- July 10-12 – Sipekne’katik Mawiomi, Indian Brook, Hants Co.
–- Aug. 8-9 – Millbrook Powwow, Colchester Co.
–- Sept. 4-6 – Membertou Powwow, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
— Sept. 11-13 – Acadia First Nation Powwow, Gold River Reserve, Lunenburg Co.
— Sept. 18-20 – Paqtnkek Powwow, Antigonish Co.
Source: Release