Hundreds attend powwow in Conne River

Several hundred people were in Conne River Saturday afternoon for the grand entry of the powwow hosted by the Miawpukek First Nation.

This is 23rd year the First Nation has hosted this event on Newfoundland's south coast.

Miawpukek First Nation Chief Misel Joe said the powwow has allowed people to be proud of their culture and has freed them from fear of church and government.

"People's not afraid anymore … our children will never know the fear that we went through, and that's what this [powwow] has done."

Todd Evans is originally from central Newfoundland but has lived in Ottawa for the past 30 years. He said he's been coming to the powwow in Conne River for the past 10 years and plans his trips home around the event. 

Evans said the event brings people together to share Mi'kmaq traditions and keep them alive for future generations.

"Our previous generations were denied the opportunity to do this, for any number of reasons," he said.

"But powwow is an opportunity to meet old friends, there's people I only see at powwows that I've known for 10 years now."

Mi'kmaq from all over Canada and some from the United States were there to celebrate Indigenous heritage and culture.

Dancers were in full dress as drum circles and singers performed traditional songs.

The three-day event will conclude Sunday evening.

The Bay St George Mi'kmaq Cultural Revival Committee will hold a powwow in Flat Bay next week.

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