Anishinaabe Fancy Dancer Joshua shows Janaye how Fancy Dancing is done!
PreK-Grade 5

This themed project from Comox Valley Schools (SD71) in B.C. is aimed at Grade 7 Core French students, but is suitable and/or adaptable for both younger and older grades.  Content Authors: Beth Peddle, Comox Valley Schools, Learn71 

Bebe jumps at the chance to play a drum when she and Mo are invited to visit a First Nations powwow with Bob Goulais, while Gavin learns all about totem poles in British Columbia.

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Virtual Exhibit (Touring Exhibit Available)

Powwow! Ohcîwin The Origins
Oh-cÎ-win:
Ooo-chi-win, Cree
1. “The Origin” or telling of a story of where something originated
Powwows are Indigenous cultural celebrations where many forms of dance styles are performed as part of the ceremony. These social gatherings, held across North America, bring people together to sing, dance and share teachings all while celebrating Indigenous culture. Each dance style has a meaning or origin story and a specific purpose. Regalia, the distinctive clothing and ornamentation worn by the dancers, corresponds to the different dance styles.

Powwow! OchÎwin the Origins was created by Patrick and Marrisa Mitsuing of Powwow Times. Working with a diverse team of Indigenous Artists they assembled each of the individual dance regalia on display. During the 2019 and 2020 Powwow season, they met with knowledge keepers across North America to record the origin stories of the dances they perform.

The dances are: Men’s Traditional, Men’s Fancy, Men’s Chicken, Men’s Grass, Women’s Traditional, Women’s Fancy and Women’s Jingle.