The 28th annual Three Fires Homecoming Pow Wow and traditional gathering will take place this weekend from August 23rd to 24th. According to Faith Rivers, Chair of the New Credit Cultural Committee, “The annual event has taken place since August of 1987, and has become an integral part of the MNCFN community, as it showcases the culture, history and heritage of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN).
In addition, the event aims to bring together all native and non-native attendees to celebrate the sacred traditions and culture of First Nations people. According to the MNCFN Three Fires Pow Wow website, “There is a word in the Indian language “Missisakis” meaning “many river mouths.” By the mid nineteenth century the Mississaugas believed they had obtained their name from the mouths of the Trent, Moira, Shannon, Napanee, Kingston, and Gananoque rivers.
“The term New Credit is in recognition of the fact that the Mississaugas traded goods along the shore of the Credit River prior to the move to their new location in 1847. The First Nation was once a mighty and respected trading nation with the Europeans in and around an area, which included Port Credit and the city now known as Toronto.
“The city of Mississauga owes its name to the Mississaugas of the New Credit. The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation is located on some 6,100 acres, 25 miles south of Hamilton, Ontario. There are approximately 2,050 listed Anishinabe members with one third living on reserve.”
The theme for the pow wow this year is, “Our Story… Continues.” The MNCFC are celebrating their heritage though their community mural which is located next to the pow wow at the Lloyd Sk. King elementary school’s library.
This year Grand Entry is at 1pm and 7pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday and closing at 4pm. General admission fee is $5 per day. Ages 6 and under are free. People are encouraged to bring their hand drums and alcohol or drugs at this event will not be tolerated. Out of respect for Mother Earth, the Pow Wow Committee are asking people to bring their own plates and utensils to cut down on waste.
A Sunrise Ceremony will take place both days starting at 6:30am and gates open at 11am. Various non-competitive dances will take place throughout the day including: grass, traditional, fancy, and jingle. Gail Whitlow will also be giving a talk on Medicines at 3pm on both days.
The MNCFN are also spearheading a conservation effort, which will kick off this Saturday at 4pm at the entrance way of the Pow Wow. In conjunction with the David Suzuki Foundation, a canoe garden will be planted. For more information on this project, please contact Carolyn King at 905-768-7632.
The Pow Wow Committee would like to thank their sponsors in advance: MNCFN Chief & Council, K.L. Martin & Associates, O.E. Canada Inc., Cavanagh IDA, RBC Hagersville, Ohsweken Speedway, Pizza Depot – Hagersville, and Sundrim Golf Club.
The pow wow will take place at 2789 1st Line Road (also known as Mississauga Road) in New Credit. You can look out for orange Pow Wow signs at major intersections. For more info about the even, contact Faith Rivers at info@newcreditpowwow.com.
