July 2007 Edition

Manito Ahbee announces cultural exchange with Schemitzun Powwow

Survivors of the Holy Angels Residential School in Fort Chip hold reunion

Manito Ahbee announces cultural exchange with Schemitzun Powwow

Manito Ahbee will travel to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s Foxwoods Resort Casino in August to attend the Annual Schemitzun Powwow in a cross-border Cultural Exchange.
In recognizing the importance of building relationships throughout Turtle Island, this initiative aims at promoting both Manito Ahbee Festival and Schemitzun Powwow kinship and cooperation.

In this important exchange, Manito Ahbee and Schemitzun Powwow will join their efforts in increasing the profile of their respective events, while strengthening community ties, enhancing tourism opportunities, and coming together to share one another’s diverse culture.

For nearly 15 years, the Schemitzun Powwow in Ledyard, Connecticut has been considered a signature event in Indian Country attracting singers and dancers from all over the United States and Canada. Having extended their hands in friendship, the Mashatucket Pequot Tribe invited Manito Ahbee representatives to attend this year’s Schemitzun Powwow. Manito Ahbee is glad to reciprocate the hospitality of their brothers and sisters by inviting them to participate in the second annual Manito Ahbee Festival taking place in Winnipeg, November 1- 4, 2007.

Manito Ahbee Festival activities will include:

• Education Days
• International Competition Powwow
• Indigenous Market Place & Tradeshow
• Music Festival
• Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards

Mashantucket Pequot Powwow Chairwoman Colebut-Jackson states “Our Tribe is happy to be able to use Schemitzun as a means to promote Inter-Tribal relations. Our ancestors lived without borders and the exchange effort made between Manito Ahbee in Manitoba, Santa Ana Pueblo from New Mexico and the Pauma Tribe in California with Pequot is a valuable initiative to us all.”

Survivors of the Holy Angels Residential School in Fort Chip hold reunion

By Allan Beaver

For many years, the Aboriginal people of Canada have attended numerous residential schools across Canada. The preparation for the students was to prepare them for life in the mainstream society.

In 1928, a government official predicted Canada would end its "Indian problem" within two generations. But the aims of assimilation meant devastation for those who were subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Decades later, aboriginal people began to share their stories and demand acknowledgement of — and compensation for — their stolen childhoods.

Many people from northern Alberta have kept the negative experiences hidden for far too long and the affects have been reflected in many generations.

The Holy Angels Residential School Reunion, to be held from August 3rd to the 7th in beautiful Fort Chipewyan will bring people together from across Canada to encourage survivors to begin their healing journey, while others continue to heal.

Chair of the Holy Angels Reunion, Steve Courtoreille, attended the Holy Angels Residential School in Fort Chipewyan. He has a strong passion in encouraging his people to start this journey and celebrate the survival.

“In honour, and on behalf of the Holy Angels Residential School survivors, I would like to invite all former students to attend this special gathering. The purpose of the reunion is to celebrate our survival by returning to the very spot where many shed painful tears and, in the spirit of togetherness and support of one another, we will strive to replace the pain and anguish with reconciliation and strength,” says Courtoreille.

Athabasca Tribal Council Grand Chief Jim Boucher is in full support of the special event. “The Holy Angels Reunion will bring and understanding and awareness of the impacts of the residential school experience had on many and provide insight on how to deal with it,” says Chief Boucher.

“The Athabasca Tribal Council commends the Society for their volunteer commitment in organizing an event of this magnitude. I wish them all the best for a very successful and memorable event,” adds Chief Boucher.

For more information and events happening for this very special gathering, you may contact Alice Rigney at (780) 697-3521 or by e-mail to; ajrigney@telusplanet.net.

Abegweit Pow Wow celebrates 15 years

The 15th Annual Abegweit Pow-Wow will be held at Panmure Island, Prince Edward Island August 18 - 19 , 2007.

This is PEI’s biggest and longest running pow wow and is located in the Panmure Island Cultural Park on the east end of the Island. The beach is only a five-minute walk from the pow wow grounds.

The Abegweit Pow Wow has been a traditional gathering for Native people across Canada and the United States since 1991. It is currently the largest and longest running Pow Wow in Prince Edward Island.

Visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature and take a walk through the medicine trails or participate in traditional ceremonies. There is a traditional sweat lodge, teepees and wigwams located on site.

Many vendors set up and sell unique and beautiful native crafts. There is also vendors selling food such as delicious Indian Tacos! Vendors are open during the day and most of the evening.

It is a family-oriented event and people under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to stay on the grounds. There is also 24 hour security.

Activities include:

• Traditional Dancers
• Mi'Kmaq Feast
• Traditional Teaching
• Crib and Crokinole Tournaments
• Merchandise Bingo
• Canteen Service Available

The Grand Entry beings at 12 noon on Saturday, August 18th. Drummers, dancers, vendors and visitors are welcome.

There is no cost for admission, camping, breakfast or supper, although donations are greatly appreciated.

What is a Pow Wow?

A Pow Wow is a gathering, a community celebration, a time for nations to come together to share songs and dances, a chance to celebrate your gifts, your heritage, your language and your culture with other Native people. It’s fun, it’s sacred and socially woven together.

Every weekend throughout the spring and summer, Pow Wows are held in Native community halls, campgrounds, cultural centers and traditional grounds across North America. Families travel together, driving across the province or even across country to participate.

Pow-Wow Etiquette