Six year olds Emily Kewaquom (left) and Lainey Ritchie were filled with energy as they showed off their shawls during the Saugeen First Nation Pow Wow, August 6.

Megan Dunn, Saugeen Shores Hub

The past, present and future were honoured at Saugeen First Nation 45th annual competition Three Fires Confederacy Pow Wow, August 6 and 7 at the James Mason Memorial Cultural Centre, Saugeen First Nation.

The past was honoured through the opening invocation, with reflection of the legacy and pain that remains as a result of residential schools; and a nod to the future as future leaders were showcased in their own dance categories with a Tiny Tot dance, in which every tot received an honourarium following the sacred Grand Entry which kicked off the annual event.

Newly elected Saugeen First Nation Chief, Lester Anoquot said the day is a celebration. “It’s a day to be joyous and happy and a good day to bridge a lot of cultures - non-native and native,” said Anoquot as he assessed the crowd that surrounded him. “A majority of the spectators here are non-native and they're here to experience the drums and singing and dance, a bit of the language and our history.”

Anoquot participated in the Grand Entry and delivered the opening address. Although he did not personally compete he didn't rule out some dance participation. “I like the intertribal dance, everybody gets to dance in that, it's a fun time, it’s meant to be fun and enjoyable.”

Dancers and their families hugged the corners of the outdoor dance floor, setting up tents to hide from the strength of the sun, a place where dancers in full regalia would retreat to after each dance.

Men’s traditional dancer Jonathan McDonald from White Fish Bay, who now lives in Toronto, came to Saugeen First Nation to compete and judge a few competitions. He said while judging he looks for stomping on beat as well as style, saying one would lose point if an article of regalia falls off. He added that dawning more beads does help but it differs from one’s personal taste. “Basically the competition is you against the beat, it’s not against each other, it’s against the drums,” said McDonald in his tent.

Councillor and one of the event organizers, Sonya Roote said putting the event together is a lot of work, but she couldn't be happier. “I don’t think there’s any better feeling than watching the Grand Entry, I get a great sense of pride,” said Roote.

The Golden Age dancers were the first judged category during the 45th annual Saugeen First Nation Pow Wow, August 6.

Dancers lined up for the judges following the Men’s Traditional Dance.

The Tiny Tot dance was represented well by future leaders, during the 45th annual competition Saugeen First Nation Pow Wow.

Alica Kewageshig, age 12 from Saugeen First Nation and Biidaashe Nahdee, age 13 from Aamjiwnaag First Nation took a break from the Pow Wow to play with friends. They both participated in the Fancy Shawl dance.

It was hard not to notice Kevin Bomberoy during the Men’s Traditional dance.