The result: almost all land east of the Rockies was handed over to the British. вЂњTo our people, it was like dividing the air we breathe, or, dividing water that is flowing through a river.вЂќ The original citizens of our country simply did not understand this concept. вЂњThe aboriginal peoples did not comprehend the principle of dividing land,вЂќ instructed a Chief who was visiting the reserve. My daughter and the British kids listened intently as we heard about the treaty of 1862 (where almost all native land was given over to the British), and admired the replica of the belt depicting figures. Then, as with many Pow wows, an unexpected treat: the showing of an historic beaded belt, borrowed from the Royal Ontario Museum. Finally, learn to say вЂњThank you.вЂќ In Algonquin itвЂ™s, вЂњMiigwetch,вЂќ literally translated as, вЂњIt is too much.вЂќ Unexpected Treats Listen to the Master of Ceremonies for instruction.

Other than that, itвЂ™s totally OK for anyone to visit, and take part. Visitors should not expect to pose in Pow wow regalia (never call them вЂcostumesвЂ™ it would be akin to suddenly asking an unknown person in Church or Synagogue if you could try on their suit jacket.) If an eagle feather drops to the ground, it represents a fallen warrior and must not be touched without ceremony. So ask permission before touching or taking photos. Pow wow garments are not вЂњcostumes,вЂќ they are called regalia, often taking months of hand stitching during long winter nights. Special dances, such as Honour Dances, may not be photographed without permission. In fact, there is a certain etiquette during Pow wow. Pow wow EtiquetteДЄs with other Pow wows, when the drumming stops, we stopped too. ItвЂ™s been a dream of mine for years,вЂќ she said as she bounced along the circle, holding her childrenвЂ™s hands. So after a few photos beside the jumbo dream catcher statue, we headed over to hear the drums, watch the dancers in their colourful regalia, and even dance in one of the dances open to visitors.ДЄ visiting mum from Britain and her kids danced along happily beside us, a big smile on her face. By the time we pulled into the parking lot, we could hear the music, and see dancers stepping enthusiastically around the Pow wow circle. Special attraction: despite its small size, this reserve was home to the worldвЂ™s biggest Peace Pipe, worldвЂ™s largest Drum, and a giant Dream Catcher, intended to catch any wandering nightmares and thus create peaceful, beautiful dreams.ДЄs we approached, helpful signs guided us along the route, and friendly kids pointed the way. So we set out along the islandвЂ™s scenic country roads to find the Zhiibaahaasing First Nation. вЂњSure,вЂќ answered my daughter with a quick lick of maple syrup.

We had even danced at Pow wows, to the strong beat of the drums representing the heartbeat of Mother Earth.ДЄnd then there was the food: bannock (fried bread) slathered with jam, Indian tacos (thin dough filled with meats) and corn soup, as well as the arts and crafts booths selling silver jewelry, sweet grass boxes, and beautiful beaded items. We had taken our kids to other Pow wows in Northeastern OntarioвЂ™s such as the grand Wikwemikong Traditional Pow Wow, so my daughter was excited to see the colourful dancers in splendid regalia and hear the sounds of the jingle dresses.

And like any Pow wow, visitors were invited to join the fun! Visitors Welcome The ladies at the next table had announced that the Zhiibaahaasing First Nation, the small reserve on the western end of the island, were holding their annual community celebration that afternoon. вЂњHey, want to go to a Pow wow today?вЂќ I asked my daughter as we tucked into pancakesВ at Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre.

Wow hits 2016 and 2017