Language Carriers honoured at Nbisiing Nishnaabe 36th Annual Dewegigewaad Pow Wow – Anishinabek News
September 26, 2024
NIPISSING FIRST NATION—The Nbisiing Nishnaabe 36th Annual Dewegigewaad Pow Wow has a powerful theme of community strength in the language. Mindy Lariviere, Culture and Heritage Manager for Nipissing First Nation explains the name of the event.
“This year for the 36th annual pow wow, we’ve focused in on our language yet again to stress the importance. Niigaaniimin Ji-Nishnaabemyaang, that means going forward with the language. We’re taking the language and we’re going to move forward. We’re trying to get back and reconcile all of our language that we’ve lost over the years and do it as a community so everyone can see who still kept their language alive. By moving forward into our future, our kids are here watching and they can see what’s happening and what’s important in our community.”
In a special Blanket Ceremony, 14 Language Carriers were honoured for their heritage and work carrying the language. Standing behind them were almost as many language teachers. As an Honour Song played, all of the dancers took part dancing in place in a large circle joining up to the Language Carriers. Head Youth Male dancer Ouske Couchie-Bobb of Nipissing First Nation-Anishinabe/Sto:lo; Head Female dancer Brooklyn Sawyer of Nipissing First Nation; and Head Female Youth dancer Mya Katt of Nipissing First Nation and Temagami First Nation danced for the revered Language Carriers and teachers.
