Minweyaang means “gathered to have wellness together,” and you’re invited to do just that at this year’s Annual Minweyaang Round Dance. Mark Saturday, March 1 on your Callander, and plan to head over to Nbissing Secondary School at 469 Couchie Memorial Drive, North Bay.
Organizers emphasized in a release that the annual dance is, “A traditional Indigenous cultural event involving a social dance with elements of ceremony. It is a healing event for the community held during the winter months.”
Further, a Round Dance is for everyone to enjoy, from children to elders. Organizers summed it up well, “Everyone is welcome to experience the healing and cultural traditional ceremonies and teachings.”
The event is free to attend, and begins with a Pipe Ceremony and Feast at 4 p.m. Once fed, the Round Dance begins at 6 p.m. Guests are invited to bring a pork-free feast offering and encouraged to bring along your water bottles and feast bundles – your plate, cup, bowl and utensils to enjoy the meal.
As for the talent, Darren McGregor will hold the emcee role, and Brennan Govender will be the stickman – helping to coordinate the songs and dances. The Pipe Conductor will be John Matthews and invited singers include, Gerry McComb, Darren Nakogee, McKenzie Ottereyes Eagle, Cody McKenzie-Sackney, and Junior Gordon Hookimaw.
If you’d like to sing as well, you can register to do so during the dance before 8 p.m.
Organizers remind you that this is an alcohol and drug fee event and open to all.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
