Lakehead University Native Student Association Spring Powwow
LUNSA Spring Powwow March 14-16
THUNDER BAY, ON – The Lakehead University Native Student Association is hosting its annual powwow at the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse from Friday, March 14 until Sunday, March 16.
The theme for this year’s powwow is re-uniting the community, which was decided after recent events in Thunder Bay resulted in social upheaval and a further division between local communities.
“The spring powwow is an inclusive cultural event – a powerful social connector that brings people together,” said Natasha Wesley-Iserhoff, Powwow coordinator. “The powwow is the nucleus of bridge building that revives, restores, awakens, and is at the core of reviving community relationships and co-operation,” she said.
“This annual powwow fosters and promotes understanding and compassion to the historical friendship between local communities,” Wesley-Iserhoff said.
This inclusive powwow will be led by the acclaimed host drum, Whitefish Bay Singers from Naotkamegwanning First Nation, with renowned local and regional drum groups.
“As a participant or observer you will experience the different dance styles and feast on traditional First Nation food. The significance of singing and dancing in a circle symbolizes a continuation of life and a strong community. The powwow brings the circle of people close together, closer to their community and culture. It is a shared desire and expectation that things will go well,” Wesley-Iserhoff said.
“This powwow is organized by the Aboriginal students, faculty and staff of Lakehead University and we see it as a key event for building bridges between students, the university and communities,” she added.
Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, observed that recent events in Thunder Bay have revealed how far aboriginals and non-aboriginals can still be from each other. “LUNSA’s powwow is an opportunity for all peoples and communities to come together and understand and experience the wonderful, rich culture of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples,” said Dr. Stevenson.
Agenda:
- Friday, March 14: Warm-up 6-10 pm
- Saturday, March 15: Grand Entry at 1 pm and 7 pm, Traditional Feast at 5 pm
- Sunday, March 16: Grand Entry at 12 pm, Closing Ceremonies until 5 pm
Special Guests:
- MC: Nathan Moses, Pic River First Nation
- Arena Director: Todd Genno, Pic River First Nation, Jake Achneepineskum, Pays Plat First Nation
- Spiritual Advisor: Kalvin Ottertail, Lac La Croix First Nation
- Host Drum: Whitefish Bay Singers, Naotkamegwanning First Nation
