In her words: Bay St. George Powwow memories and pride in its growth

FLAT BAY, N.L. — MICHELLE CORMIER
SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN STAR

FLAT BAY, N.L. – Being part of the Bay St George Powwow since its inception 13 years ago has been an honour and a privilege.
I participated in different capacities, from an RCMP police officer in red serge, wearing traditional regalia and now, chair for the powwow.
The beginnings of 2007 amazed me. There was a special feeling in the air that summer – our first powwow with dancing, traditional teachings on the sacred fire, sweat lodges and the language.
One special memory was with Elder Joe John Sanipass from Elsipogtog, N.B., who was there from the start at the lighting of the sacred fire and sunrise ceremony.
As the Grand Entry was forming up and I walked up to him, his eyes became round as saucers wondering who this police officer was coming to hug him.
He was standoffish, and I looked at him, puzzled at his reaction.
I said, “Joe John, it’s Michelle!” It took a few moments, but he soon realized who it was. “You’re a police officer?” he said with great surprise.
He told me he'd never seen a police officer so engaged with young children and the community so receptive to an officer with their youth.
Then he looked at my skirt. He had no idea the RCMP had skirts available for their female officers. I told him the skirt was only worn for regimental dinners, but an exception was made for our Grand Entry, since it’s an important part of the Mi’kmaq culture.
His face softened, and he looked at me with such admiration. He then led me by the arm to the front of the line and placed me next to the commander.
“I learned a big lesson today,” John Joe said. “I assumed some things and should not have done that.”
The Bay St George Powwow beginnings were on a smaller scale but when people found out it was an annual event, they planned vacations while it was taking place, now with four to five thousand people attending.
We now have many local children with fancy shawls, grass dancers, traditional and jingle dress dancers. It’s a proud moment when you see so many children and young adults leading the way to preserve the culture.
Chairing the 2019 Bay St. George Powwow is one of my proudest accomplishments. I work with the best volunteers I’ve ever had the pleasure of associating with.
The powwow takes on a special theme each year to give respect to elders, children and volunteers. This year it promoted awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women by including a red shawl workshop on Friday.
“Build it and they will come” was a vision and is now our reality. Our powwow family has grown substantially since its start and we will continue to bring this cultural event to the people while it is supported.

Michelle Cormier is chair of Bay St. George Powwow 2019.

People who have provided support and teachings to me along the way:
• Madeline Condo
• Elder Victor Muise
• Elder Calvin White
• Chief Misel Joe
• The community of Conne River
• Arlene White
• Elder Andrea Colfer
• Deanna Francis
Source: Michelle Cormier