Grand River Powwow a success

SIX NATIONS — After week of hosting over 7000 visitors and dancers, the Grand River Champion of Champions powwow announced their Champion of Champions Winner for 2018 is Golden age Grass Dancer Darrell Paskimin of the Plains Cree with 750 points overall.

With Chiefswood Park now emptied of the beautiful commotion, Kevin Martin, a member of the powwow committee, voiced his pride in being a part of the event along with the other volunteers.

“I became involved by wanting to give back to my community and the Grand River Champion of Champions Powwow was a perfect way to help out,” said Martin. “I didn’t realize what I was getting into after attending a meeting and soon found out that help is always needed and greatly accepted. Each one of our committee members are hard working and dedicated as I can see that this event is an attraction that draws dancers from all across North America and brings visitors from across the world. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing group.”

Martin explained that the success of the powwow typically depends on the weather and this year was more accommodating for dancers, besides a light rain near the end. And for this year as well, the powwow brought in new performances.

“Each year we try to bring in different entertainment which included the Apache Crown Dancers,” he said. “We invited them to share their knowledge, traditions, songs and dances with our community, visitors and guests. Grand River Champion of Champions also seeks out a drum to be a host drum and this year we were fortunate to have asked Northern Cree who accepted our invite. Northern Cree is a very well known in the powwow communities, have a lot of followers across North America and they are also a Grammy Nominated group and Award winning for their talent of their singing and drumming.”

After being approached by the Shognosh family, the powwow chose to honour well known Fancy Dancer Sugar Bear with a fancy special. The winner of the special was Patrick Mitsuing and Martin said that it was an honour to host it.

“We were honoured to be given the opportunity to accommodate the Shognosh family request, as Sugar Bear was a part of the powwow family,” he said.

Martin also gave his thanks to all of the volunteers, of which there were many.

Next year will be the 40th year of the Grand River Champion of Champions Powwow and even more excitement is hoped for.

Related Posts