Aboriginal days, and The Pow-Wow Trail

Hi Friends
This will just be a short post to wish all a happy Aboriginal days, and safe travels on the Pow-Wow trail.
This time of year our communities get together for the warm wonderful times and celebrations of Pow-Wows and other summer time pursuits. Winter is over, and the spring time plantings are in, and as we await the autumn harvest, and in the lazy days of summer, the Pow-Wow trail beckons.

Here let me encourage all my off reserve *C-31 & C-3* cousins,to get out and embrace your culture. Join us at the scared fire and on the Pow-Wow grounds and get set to awaken your Indian spirits.

The pageantry of the opening parade with the dancers arriving in full regalia; the vendor's booths set up with typical event merchandise and authors doing book signings; the entire community abuzz with activity.

Drums, beating out the heart-beat of our mother Earth, voices raised in honour songs, jingles on the jingle dresses, and bells on the ankles and the regalia of the fancy dancers all competing for attention. Teasing and laughter from all corners of the grounds, and the hand drums and the round dances calling for the participation of all. Who but the most sour among us could not have a good time in this festive atmosphere.

This is also a time to visit the scared fires and make your semaa (tobacco, tied up in red cloth) offerings for the ancestors. This too is an intrinsic part of Pow-Wow. In honor and loving memory of those who have been before.

Indian tacos, and corn soup, fried baloney sandwiches and all other manner of First Nation *cuisine* is there to be sampled.
I don't have to remind you to have a good time! We all just do, when we get our dance on and relax around our own...

Little wonder the *settlers* were so (un)settled by our exuberance at these celebrations. Poor bastards never knew what fun could be had, and got all nervous...still do I'll bet!

I won't be posting for a while, as I will be getting out to as many Pow-Wows as I can make it to, and having a good time going to not just my own Nations but other Nations Pow-Wow celebrations.
Renewing my spirit, for the months ahead.

Happy Aboriginal Days and safe Pow-Wow trails to all..

Regards
Debra