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Sitansisk Wolastoqiyik celebrates triumphant return to powwow season

People say they are excited to celebrate the union of nations and cultures after three years of being unable to hold in-person powwows due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizers say over 10,000 people stopped by the powwow grounds since Friday

Mrinali Anchan · CBC News ·
Three people performing during grand entry of Sitansisk Wolastoqiyik powwow near Fredericton. Two people are wearing regalia. On the far left a women can be seen in braids and in purple regalia with yellow, blue and gold beading. In the middle, an elderly man is wearing red regalia with a red headdress. On the right, someone can be seen wearing a yellow tank top and sunglasses while raising a fist.
People say they are excited to celebrate the union of nations and cultures after three years of being unable to hold in-person powwows due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Aniekan Etuhube/CBC)

Sitansisk organizers are proud to celebrate what they say is one of the biggest powwows in recent memory. 

From Friday until Sunday, Sitansisk Wolastoqiyik hosted over 10,000 people from all walks of life and nations.

Community event planner Nicole Carty said there were visitors from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, even some from the U.S.

"It's really nice to see those old friends that we haven't seen in a while," Carty said. 

Sitansisk Sakom Allan Polchies wearing a traditional headdress while at the powwow grounds.
Chief Allan Polchies said there was extensive planning to prepare for the first in-person powwow in three years. (Aniekan Etuhube/CBC)

Sitansisk — also known as St. Mary's First Nation — held the first powwow in New Brunswick this season.

Chief Allan Polchies said there was extensive planning to prepare for the first in-person powwow in three years.

"We've had some challenges in trying to secure our drum groups ... Northern Cree is a Grammy award-winning drum group. So we … have to reach out way ahead of time in order to secure great drum groups to come here to bring that good medicine to our people," Polchies said.

Sitansisk Wolastoqiyik celebrates one of its biggest powwows in recent memory

2 years ago
Duration 0:54
Organizers say over 10,000 people stopped by the powwow grounds after the pandemic stalled celebrations for three years

"We're grateful to have all the dancers and drummers and all the volunteers that helped put this together."

Calli Bourgeois of St. Mary's First Nation and Tobique First Nation danced in Sunday's grand entry.

Bourgeois said it was tough not having a powwow for multiple years and not being able to meet some friends and family. 

Hundreds of people present during the grand entry of Sitansisk Wolastoqiyik powwow near Fredericton. Four performers can be seen wearing regalia. Dozens of people are watching the ceremony while standing and sitting at bleachers surrounding the grounds.
Organizers say over 10,000 people stopped by the powwow grounds. (Aniekan Etuhube/CBC)

"I felt good," she said "I felt proud that we are having our powwow after while." 

That sentiment is also felt by Clifford Paul of Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton, or Unama'ki.

Paul, runs a craft company called Bearman Authentic, said he has been present at past powwows held by Sitansisk and is glad to be back.

Young woman holding a child. Woman is wearing regalia.
Calli Bourgeouis of St. Mary's First Nation and Tobique First Nation danced in Sunday's grand entry. (Aniekan Etuhube/CBC)

"We all miss each other and we all enjoy each other's company ... we all enjoy the power and strength of the drum and the powwow itself, the gathering."

Paul, who also works at the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources, said there was an impact to mental health that was felt by many when powwows were cancelled.

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