Kehewin dancers opened up the eyes of students within the Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) during a Powwow dance tour.
Last week, a group of Kehewin dancers travelled to schools in Bonnyville and Cold Lake, performing some of their traditional Powwow dances.
Every summer, the group travels to Powwow celebrations across Alberta, showcasing their dances. They also perform locally at Canada Day and Aboriginal Day, but this was their first time showcasing their dances at schools.
Cindy Tootoosis, who helped organize the school performances, said they were thrilled when they were asked by LCSD to perform for some of the local elementary and high school students.
“This is something that we grew up doing. We're raised in this life, and it's normal for us. We don't go out there and showcase it,” she said. “We're excited and happy to do this, and we're honoured to showcase our different cultures.”
The dancers performed some of their traditional Powwow dances, including the fancy shawl, the jingle dress, the chicken dance, men's dress, and women's traditional.
Each dance has a story, and as part of their performance the group shared some of the history of each dance, and why they start teaching dancing at a young age.
Notre Dame High School (NDHS) principal Chantal Azana-Rawlake said it was an honour to get a glimpse into aboriginal culture during their stop at NDHS on Thursday, May 11.
“I think it's important for our First Nations, Métis, and Indigenous (FNMI) students, as well as our non-FNMI students, to experience different cultures and traditions,” she said. “It's important that we learn about the people in our area, as well as broadening our own understanding of other cultures and traditions.”
Tootoosis agreed, “I think it's important so they understand. I think there is a lot of misunderstanding in the difference in culture, so I think it's important that they see it and understand it.”
Grade 10 student Brooke McLachlan described the experience as unique and moving.
“I liked seeing their culture and learning how they start the kids dancing really young,” she added. “I learned a lot about what their culture is like.”
