The G.C. Huston Drum Circle kept the beat for the Fancy Shawl dancers during G.C. Huston’s 2017 Pow Wow June 1.

Hub Staff

Spirit was alive during G.C. Huston’s annual Pow Wow June 1. From Fancy Shawl to hand drumming to the introduction of the Soaring Hawk Dancers, the school’s gymnasium was filled to the brim with families, students and guests from École Port Elgin Saugeen Central School.

The Pow Wow, which featured over 40 students and family members, centred around the pride of the Anishinaabe people, with students from Saugeen First Nation as well as seasoned adult dancers performing traditional dances.

A school group dubbed the Soaring Hawk Dancers, consisted of junior students who wanted to learn traditional dances and performed a Fancy Shawl dance for the spectators. The number of participants was so great, two performances were required as the entire group could not fit on the stage.

The Pow Wow took a somber tone as students from the G.C. Huston Drum Circle and the girls hand held drum group paid tribute to a G.C. Huston staff member, Kara Matthews, who passed away May 31.

The girls drum group, with assistance by Native Language Teacher Marilyn Johnson-Root (left) during G.C. Huston’s annual Pow Wow June 1.

Members of the Soaring Hawk Dancers with their Fancy Shawl dance during G.C. Huston’s annual Pow Wow June 1. Staff member Debbie Reed created the regalia.

The Jingle Dress dancers during the school’s annual Pow Wow.

The Fancy Shawl dancers at G.C. Huston Public School June 1.

The travel song played by G.C. Huston students and Saugeen Grandmothers for the spirit of G.C. Huston Educational Assistant Kara Matthews who passed away May 31.

Over 35 students performed at the annual G.C. Huston Pow Wow June 1.