Guide to Indian Country - June, 2005 Wikwemikong celebrates with cultural festival First Nations committee to successful summer games Riel's life celebrated Kasabonika catches the eye of tourists Crown-maker says beading is her medicine Centennial event celebrates history of Cypress Hills Arctic cruises provide unique experience Trail leads back to Batoche

WINDSPEAKER'S ABORIGINAL TOURISM SUPPLEMENT Phone: (780) 455-2700Fax (780) 455-7639 Email: edwind@ammsa.com Wikwemikong celebrates with cultural festival By Margo Little, Windspeaker Contributor The finest dancers from across North America will compete for more than $70,000 in prize money as Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve stages its 45th annual cultural festival this summer. The Manitoulin Island event held July 30 to Aug. 1 is a perennial favorite among both Native and non-Native vacationers. The showcase of First Nation song, dance, art, cuisine and crafts is sponsored by the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization. The non-profit society, formed in 1981, is committed to the preservation and enhancement of Anishinabeg culture through education and participatory cultural opportunities with visitors from all corners of the globe. Ojibwa, Odawa and Pottawatami traditions come together to make the Wikwemikong festival experience one-of-a-kind. "Our competition powwow is known internationally," said program co-ordinator Doris Peltier. "We get inquiries as early as February each year. People want to come because we treat our guests really nice. Also it is not too expensive and we always try to bring in something new each year." Last year newly renovated wheelchair accessible washrooms and showers were unveiled. Upgrades to the facilities were enjoyed by participants, and campers enjoyed an improved comfort level. Since Wikwemikong is home to world champion hoop dancer Lisa Odjig, visitors had a chance to witness her unique performances. One of the objectives of the heritage organization is to create cross-cultural awareness, Peltier emphasized. "People always want to know more about the origins and the history of the dances," she noted. "The festival gives us an opportunity to celebrate who we are and where we came from. It's also a chance to demonstrate our cultural pride for first-time visitors." This year's attractions include a cultural pavilion at the powwow grounds. Dance demonstrations, grandfather drum teachings and other historical teachings will be an integral part of the gathering. "We will even have some community members doing traditional cooking over an open fire," Peltier added. The Canada Council for the Arts has provided some support for the 2005 arts celebration. An art show will be held at the Wasse-Abin Junior school throughout the weekend. A performance by the Old Mush Singers is sure to draw a large crowd. The group of Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora singers will share some of their best known songs, including Old Mocassin Dance, Women's New Shuffle and Rabbit Dance. The group is often asked to entertain at cultural events and fund raisers. Last summer they appeared at Harbourfront in Toronto and in October 2003 they were a hit at Massey Hall. Money raised by the group goes to help community members in need or people who have suffered a tragedy. "They sing material that is usually sung at a social where people gather to dance and socialize with one another," Doris Peltier explained. "A social is one of the Iroquois traditional forms of entertainment. They will perform several times over the course of the weekend." Another highlight of the three-day gathering is the Iroquois Smoke Dance competition. "This dance was such a crowd pleaser last year, we decided to introduce it as a new category with a new prize purse," Peltier said. For more information about the event call 705-859-2385 or visit wikwemikongheritage.org or e-mail Cynthia Bell at cbell@wikwemikongheritage.org.