Akwesasne Pow Wow Returns

The annual Akwesasne Pow Wow was back with vibrancy last weekend, drawing in hundreds of attendees to Lamoureux Park in Cornwall, Ontario, to celebrate Indigenous culture through traditional dance, music, food, and art.

Over 60 vendors lined the park, offering a wide range of handcrafted items including beaded jewellery, dream catchers, leather goods, wood carvings, ribbon skirts, and t-shirts. Food booths offered traditional and fusion dishes such as buffalo burgers, fry bread, Indian tacos, and strawberry juice.

Many local artisans took part not just as observers, but as active contributors to culture through their crafts and goods. One vendor from Akwesasne, Victoria Ransom, shared some insight:

“What I love about the powwow is that a lot of people that do cultural art forms are able to present their work and a lot of the bead workers and leather workers sell out their work, and I think it’s also a good thing to buy local and a good way to network as well,” said Ransom. “You meet a lot of people and there’s a lot of different conversations going on.”

Throughout the day, the air was filled with the rhythmic beat of drums, the sound of singers, and the sweeping colours of regalia worn by dancers of all ages and nations. From youth to elders, dancers competed in various styles and categories, including Smoke Dance and the Golden Age 60+ category.

A standout performance came from the Akwesasne Youth Hoop Troupe, which included the talented Feryn King doing hoop dancing. Each movement of hoop formation represents elements of interconnectedness and our relationality to everything around us - animals, plants, and cycles of life.

Attendees came from near and far - crowds loved the Tlacopan Aztec Dancers, who travelled from Mexico City. Adorned in elaborate feathered regalia and ankle beads made from chachayote seeds, they captivated the audience with eagle and snake dances.

The fire dance, a sacred element of Aztec spiritual tradition, drew gasps from the crowd as lead dancer Tomas Salinas manipulated open flame with bare hands and feet. After the performance, he was seen greeting audience members and gifting beadwork demonstrating the spirit of generosity and connection that underpins powwow culture.

Among the many dancers were sisters Laila Ken’niwa’kera:sa McComber, 14, and Isabella Karonhia:a Cross, 10, who travelled with their mother, Corleigh Iorihwiioston Beauvais, from Kahnawà:ke to participate. The girls have been dancing more consistently over the past year-and-a-half, after being introduced to powwow traditions in their early childhood.

“They both dance small fan and fancy shawl styles,” explained Beauvais. “When we travel to powwows down south, where certain categories aren’t always offered, they’ll switch to their fancy shawls so they can still participate.”

Beauvais described how this journey has not only been cultural, but also deeply personal.

“I didn’t grow up with these teachings,” she said. “So, for me, it’s been about giving my daughters something I didn’t have, a connection to our ways, our culture.

“When I see them dance, I know they’re dancing for our ancestors, for the people we’ve lost like my father and grandmother. That’s who they carry in their hearts when they step into the arena.”

When asked what dancing at the Akwesasne Pow Wow meant to them, both girls emphasized the sense of freedom and belonging.

“At first I get nervous,” McComber admitted. “But once I’m out there, I just feel free. I remind myself who I’m dancing for, and then I don’t think about being scared anymore.”

Cross loves the social aspect of powwows.

“I liked seeing all my friends. It was fun spending time with everyone and dancing together,” she said. “It’s not just about dancing, it’s about being together.”

Both girls mentioned the “mini powwow” that occurred off to the side of the main dance arena, where young dancers and singers organized their own informal event.

“That was one of my favourite parts,” said McComber. “It showed how much we love doing this, even outside the competitions.”

Being around other regulars on the powwow trail is always a highlight for the the family.

“It felt like I was part of one big family,” Beauvais said. “There’s always someone ready to help whether it’s pinning on regalia, braiding hair, or sharing something you forgot to pack. It’s that community spirit that makes these events so special.”

The Akwesasne Pow Wow continues to serve as a powerful space for intergenerational learning, healing, and cultural expression. Though the location may have changed - the powwow moved from Akwesasne to Cornwall in 2024 for space reasons - the traditions and teachings remain the same.

“We’ll definitely be back next year,” Beauvais said. “It’s not just about dancing. It’s about carrying our culture forward and building a community where our children can thrive.”

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