M’CHIGEENG—As the summer days begin to grow shorter, temperatures are somewhat abating and school buses are getting revved up for the new school year, the 36th annual M’Chigeeng First Nation Powwow will start things off in a good way. The powwow, with a theme of “Unifying our Generations” will run from August 30 to 31.

Each day, grand entry will take place at 12 pm, with a sunrise ceremony taking place earlier at 6 am.

Head drum this year will be the ever-popular Bear Creek, with invited drums including Chippewa Travellers, Snake Island, Indian Road, Little Creek, Young Biisineh and the M’Chigeeng Community Drum.

The action will take place under the careful eye of arena director Cheyanne Kichikake and Head Veteran Howard Debassige. Master of ceremonies keeping the banter flowing will be Meeg Snake, with able assistance from Gordie Odjig. Head dancers Adrian Klein and Kookie Migwans will lead the dancers and head elders Jerry Kaboni and Linda Kaboni will help start things off in the good way.

The powwow takes place at the M’Chigeeng Powwow grounds located at 325-A Highway 551 in M’Chigeeng and, as always, there are no drugs or alcohol permitted or pets allowed. There is, however, space available for rough camping.

The Princess and Brave competitions are slated for 10 am on Sunday morning, so come on out and cheer on the community’s youth. An honour song for the Princess and Brave will take place during the grand entry on Sunday. 

Speaking of youth, the Tiny Tots will dance at 1 pm Saturday, just following the first intertribal at 12:45 pm and the imitable Gordie Odjig will dance a Hoop Dance Special at 3:30 pm—this will be something to not miss.