WIIKWEMKOONG—This year’s edition of the Wiikwemkoong Music and Arts Festival (WAMF) featured a more laidback evening of entertainment with a country-roots-blues vibe. Artists performing included William Prince, Crystal Shawanda and Alicia Asp-Chief
Headliner William Prince demonstrated how he became a two-time JUNO Award winner, delivering a spellbinding set featuring new songs and cuts from his five albums. Mr. Prince has garnered serious accolades in his career, including the prestigious John Prine Songwriter Fellowship and an American Honours and Awards nomination.
Given his performance on Friday night, it is clear how Mr. Prince has sold out shows at Massey Hall and other venues. His songs strike deep emotional chords that everyone can relate to.
Hometown kwe Crystal Shawanda was the featured artist and she brought her explosive blues voice to the stage and the audience members to their feet. Ms. Shawanda may not “sing pretty” as the title of one of her songs suggests, but she sure can sing.
Ms. Shawanda’s daughter, Zsa Zsa (Zhaawande) delivered her first solo performance on the same stage that launched her mother’s career while proud mom stood in the wings offering gentle encouragement. Zsa Zsa is destined for great things.
Opening the show was Alicia Asp-Chief, whose powerful R and B stylings reached deep into her listener’s souls with contemporary themes that remain timeless.
Closing out the musical program was Quique Escamilla who brought an unforgettable fusion of rock, reggae and traditional Mexican sounds bearing powerful messages to the ear.
The Odawa M’nis Master Chef Showdown—youth edition was a great hit during the festival, especially with the judges who were the lucky recipients of the plated entries.
Wiikwemkoong Ogimaa Tim Ominika, who was one of the judges, said that it was a very difficult task to choose a winner.
To enter the contest, each contestant had to post a 30-second video introducing themselves, showcasing some of their skills and why they wanted to participate. Each contestant was given an identical black box of ingredients, their own culinary workstation and two induction burners and an oven. Each chef had one-and-a-half hours to make a dish for the judging.
In fourth place, winning $100 and a T-shirt was Junior Chef Mariah; in third place was Lily, taking home $200 and T-shirt; in second place was Amy, winning $300, a cooker and an Odawa M’nis Chef’s hat; and it was first place winner, Sarina, who took home $500, a barbecue and a Odawa M’nis Chef’s hat.
In the Mentor Division, it was Hiawatha Osawamick in third place, Joseph Shawana in second place and Duglas Trudeau in first place. Top bragging honours went to the winner of the best moose burger.
An Indigenous Fashion Show ‘Honouring our Water Protectors and Land Guardians’ featuring Little Feather and Jocelyn Kagige of Little Feather Couture and Minwaate Designs showcased some of the best work of these internationally renowned designers.
As a special treat, there was a Smoke Dance vs Fancy Dance Showdown that brought high energy and plenty of excitement to the arena.
WAMF 2025 was a stellar success thanks to the hard work of organizer Jason Manitowabi, who cited his crew of helpers for making the day the success that it was.
