Faces and smiles were shining bright once again at the 34th annual Three Fires Homecoming Powwow at Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation last weekend.
After a long two years of social distancing and longing for togetherness, MCFN community members welcomed guests from near and far to share in the beautiful culture that always warms even the saddest hearts at the vibrant annual powwow.
What’s not to love? Food, music, shopping and the stunning visual displays of intricate regalia never fail to inspire and this year, after a long hiatus, the appreciation for the powwow’s offerings was evident.
Guests and dancers smiled and whirled with gusto as the largest in-person event resumed its place in people’s hearts under a shaded canopy of trees on the powwow grounds known as “the grove.”
MCFN Chief Stacey Laforme said they tried to keep the powwow alive during the pandemic, with videos online, but “it’s just not the same. This weekend, I think the most special thing is seeing the people come together and talking and visiting and seeing the youth.
“And then, seeing our friends and allies come in and spend time with us – it means a lot. We do things together and we work on things.”
It’s been a long two years since the global pandemic all but erased in-person gatherings on the territory.
This year there was visible two-spirit representation in the dance arena and attendance peaked at about 3,000 people.
Laforme praised the powwow’s inclusivity.
“All powwows are welcoming but ours are such a feeling of inclusivity and everybody’s welcome,” he said.
