'Join in': All are welcome at UTM’s All-Nations Powwow
Through drumming, dancing and collective celebration, members of the University of Toronto Mississauga community are soon set to come together for the All-Nations Powwow.
Hosted by UTM’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the event on Saturday, Oct. 4. marks the third year people will gather on campus to celebrate Indigenous culture, community and tradition.
Such gatherings are an important part of building bridges between communities, said Jordan Jamieson, the Indigenous student support specialist at UTM and part of the organizing team for the Powwow.
“Having a Powwow on campus has been revitalizing to see and creates an opportunity for the UTM community to learn about Indigenous cultures,” said Jamieson.
“One of the things Powwow is good at is being a warm and welcoming event, and a space that everyone is welcome in.”
The event takes place on Sisters in Spirit Day, which remembers, raises awareness of and calls for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people. The Powwow also falls in the same week as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Jamieson said all community members are encouraged to get a free ticket to experience what the Powwow has to offer.
“I love sharing a part of my culture and watching people experience Powwow for the first time ever and, of course, visiting the friends and family that attend every year,” he said.
Blakeley Thompson, a third-year digital enterprise management student, said events like the Powwow help build a sense of Indigenous community on campus.
“I came from Thunder Bay, an area with a large Indigenous Ojibway population, and I wanted to be around some sort of Indigenous presence (while at school),” he said. “Without it, a lot of people have to end up studying somewhere local, which limits options.”
Thompson said he appreciates the experiences and connections he’s been able to explore through UTM’s Indigenous supports and resources.
“I showed up at the gathering space in the Maanjiwe nendamowinan building my first week at UTM, did the Indigenous orientation session, just starting hanging out,” he said.
“It’s nice having a special space to meet people and learn about things like the work study program, take workshops, go to events, learn about drumming, arts and volunteering.”
This year’s Powwow will be Thompson’s second at UTM — he started taking traditional dance lessons this summer in preparation and will be working during the gathering as assistant to the Fire Keeper, who maintains the sacred fire and oversees the fire pit, creating the spiritual connection between the living and the spirit worlds.
Part of what makes the Powwow special is seeing people come together, he said.
“I really like the intertribal dances when everyone can join, and also the community dances and features for friends or romantic partners,” he said. “It’s nice to see people celebrating and living out their reality.”
This year’s Powwow will be taking place at the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with doors opening at 11 a.m.
The festivities are set to begin with a grand entry ceremony and will include three dance competitions, as well as water drumming and Inuit drumming. A vendors market will feature Indigenous-owned businesses – most vendors will take cash only but there will be an ATM on site.
Jamieson, of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, said even first-time visitors to a Powwow will be able to easily join in. Attendees can also watch a webinar to familiarize themselves with Powwow protocols and etiquette.
“You don’t need to know anything going in, just be respectful, and listen to protocols — the MC will provide guidance throughout the day,” he said.
“When the intertribal or spot dances get called, join in and experience the Powwow in its full form. Go to have fun!”
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Learn more and get your free ticket to attend the All-Nations Powwow.
