M’CHIGEENG—Though the community centre in M’Chigeeng was slow to fill on New Year’s Day, and the start time of the powwow was moved from 12 to 1 pm, people did come, drums came, dancers came and the hall did fill with laughter, song and dancing.
Community member Elaine Migwans, along with helpers, organized the event. Ms. Migwans explained, “We decided, rather than just talk about it, let’s celebrate our heritage and culture. So, this powwow is about exactly that, an opportunity to share, teach and celebrate who we are. And what better day to do it than on New Year’s Day?”
MC Craig Fox took his part seriously, taking every opportunity to share his knowledge with those gathered. “We are known as ‘Spirit Island,’ ladies and gentlemen,” he said at the start of the New Year’s Day powwow, “we are in the heart of Turtle Island. There’s a big reason why this is called Spirit Island, Anishinabek have known about the spiritual significance for all of time.
Jean Debassige brought everyone together in prayer. The staffs were brought in along with the community flag and the Veterans flag. Council member Kim Aelick addressed the crowd before the dancing got underway. “On behalf of the Chief and Council, a special thank you for everyone joining us,” she said, thanking the flag carriers and all the drums, “It’s remarkable,” Ms. Aelick said, referring to the number of drums present, seven in all.
Before the people came, the drums came. “There are more singers than people in the stands, almost,” Mr. Fox joked early on, “warms my heart.” Though it was not the case for long, still, the number of drums was unprecedented. The Host drum was Black Bull Moose, and visiting drums Chi Giizis, Spirit Bear, Young Biisneh, Anishnaabek Connection, Big Thunder and River Wild provided non-stop dancing opportunities for Head Dancers Paul Macintyre and G’Mewin Migwans and Junior Lady Dancer Maria Cheechoo, and the many who had come in full regalia, to dance, visit and enjoy the day.
There were spot dances, with monetary prizes, bringing even the most reluctant dancers on to the floor. And when the afternoon waned along with the energy of the crowd, a meal was provided to sustain them all.
“It’s about community coming together,” said MC Craig Fox, giving the day a theme that reflected what was visibly apparent.
“They say the way you bring in the New Year is the way it’s going to carry you.” Kim Aelick said in her opening remarks. “So, we can all remember the fact that our culture, our strength, our language and the fact that we’re visiting with family and friends will be how we spend the new year,” she said. If so, 2026 is off to a very good start in M’Chigeeng.
by Margery Frisch
