The fifth annual Spirit of the Drum Traditional Powwow will take place on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, 2023 on Duck Island in Smiths Falls. This event is being organized by Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI), as well as their Indigenous partners, to raise awareness about Indigenous culture and inspire reconciliation.
June 10 will be focused on traditional aspects of a powwow and the lighting of the Sacred Fire. June 11 will have competitive dances along with traditional aspects.
During the two-day event, over 10 First Nations will be represented, 12 Indigenous-owned and led food and craft vendors will be onsite, educational displays of student projects and four (two on each day) free workshops for the public taught by cultural advisors from the Inuit, Algonquin and Mohawk communities on history, culture, ceremony and traditions.
Admission is free.
The Spirit of the Drum Traditional Powwow is an extension of SFDCI’s Indigenous studies program, which partners with Indigenous Cultural Advisors and Knowledge Keepers who come into classes to provide real-world learning for students. Partners in the event include: Town of Smiths Falls; Parks Canada; Upper Canada District School Board; Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute staff and student volunteers, and community volunteers.
Details of the powwow are as follows:
Saturday, June 10, 2023
12 p.m. (grand entry) – 4 p.m.
Vendors open at 10 a.m. Workshops between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. in education tent.
Sunday, June 11, 2023
12 p.m. (grand entry) – 4 p.m.
Vendors open at 10 a.m. Workshops between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. in education tent.
Location:
40 Abbott Street North, Smiths Falls ON
Workshops:
| Date | Knowledge Keeper/Cultural Advisor | Topic | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 10:00 am to 10:45 am | JD White | Wampum, Treaties and Haudenosaunee /Mohawk History | Educational Workshop Tent: 40 to 50 people |
| June 10, 11:00 am to 11:45 am | William Komaksiutiksak | Inuit History and Culture Teachings | Educational Workshop Tent: 40 to 50 people |
| June 11, 10:00 am to 10:45 am | Barry Sarazin | Anishinaabe/Algonquin Drum and Dance Teachings | Educational Workshop Tent: 40 to 50 people |
| June 11, 11:00 am to 11:45 am | David and Frances Jock | Medicine Wheel and four Sacred Medicines Teachings | Educational Workshop Tent: 40 to 50 people |
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