MadSara Images

Few snaps from my walks in the past couple weeks….

Throwback Tuesday

Few snaps on this day in history

A little on this day over history… here there everywhere

The 55th Annual Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Pow Wow

This event was a first-time experience for me.
Due to my geographical location and an amazing elementary school, I've spent my life in awe of traditions carried by First Nations people. The seven generations beliefs and practices, traditional ceremonies, and simply authenticity and holding true on a moral ground over complete modernity and extraction of our lands are something more aligned with my soul than I can explain.

As you enter the ceremony grounds, Lake Huron and all her life and abundance lap into the shoreline behind you, the senses first pick up the scents of sweet grass, sage, cedar, blended with the aromas of traditionally prepared foods creating an eclectic and earthy ambience.

Children, parents and elders alike, bustling around the tents, assembling significant, brilliant and detailed hand made regalia and practicing footwork for not only grand entry but the competition portion of the event.

The energy around brings a sense of pride and respect, culture and community connection. Here on these grounds it is not only a duty to represent the generations before, and keeping traditions for generations to come, but a timeless honour not only to their culture, but the Mother Earth we all share.

A bison skull placed in the centre as a symbol of remembrance and extreme gratitude for sacrifice. It brings the spirit of the Buffalo into the circle to protect the dancers and watch over the gathering.

An elder carries an Eagle Staff out to the post anchoring a spiritual authority of their nation to that spot. The ritual of smudging or the burning of sage over the Buffalo and post washes away negative energies and clears the mind of those entering, and creates a cleansed environment where only good intentions can fill the space.

As the ceremonial drums and song begin, there's something nostalgic and connected that washes over your spirit as you become mesmerized by the colours, as your heart and feet beat to the drumming, meaningful steps, and the energy of life. As the grand entry begins, each member enters the circle leaving an offering of thanks, often "Semah" - traditional to***co, or corn (4 sisters) - in thanks to say "you have fed us and now we feed and honour you before we step on you to dance."

Each detail of adornment carries a significance and language. Some depict their clan's traditional roles, to our land and their peoples, and every colour, shape, feather and bead holds a teaching, a spiritual protector or an honour earned.

Every beat of the Honour Drums representing battles of the past and the heart beats of their elders, and the lightning from the Thunderbirds - Reverence.

The song and chants - a universal language, stories from battles and spirits before them, or to mark the changing of seasons or a family in mourning.

Stomping the Earth in connection with her rhythm, every step, stomp and stop in rhythm with the Earth's heartbeat. Some adorned in shawls depicting a butterfly emerging its cocoon telling a story of renewal or grass dancers strategic movements to symbolize that earth connection. Every part of their regalia, song, chant, drumming, and energy have specific roles in paying respects and are carried out in flawless harmony with Mother Earth.

If you have never fully immersed yourself in the observation and participation of this tradition, you truly have no idea what your soul is missing.
I encourage everyone to attend at least one event and truly be open and curious to all that your senses experience.





Miigwetch for allowing me to observe, learn, marvel and participate in your celebrations. I hope that I did a justice in encompassing the essence in my writing, appropriately and respectfully.

Something I never learned about my home town growing up - despite it being mere few years before my time began…. Maybe I was too young to understand or have interest but I was shocked to learn about this at 40

"Fiercely Funny"
"Deeply Moving"
"The Best Actors I’ve Had the Pleasure to Watch in a Long Time"
— Debbie McClure, Entertain This Thought

"A Masterpiece"
— Denny Scott, Midwestern Newspapers

"I Can’t Recommend Enough That You See This Play"
— Galen Simmons, Northern Arts Perspective

"Hayes-Crook gives a sterling performance"
— Kelly Monaghan, Ontario Stage

On stage now at the Blyth Festival, "Sisters of ‘78," by Kristen Da Silva , is a fierce, funny, and deeply moving ensemble drama about women pushed to the brink at a small auto-wiring plant.

On now until August 9th.
Get the best seats now before they're gone. Call 519-523-9300 (Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm) or visit the website.

Pictured:
Madison Hayes-Crook
Shaina Silver-Baird
Kirstyn Russelle
Shelayna Christante
Photo: Lyon Smith
Set and Costume Design: Sean Mulcahy