My week in Sudbury included something I have never done before which is going to a pow wow. Going to a this was a magical experience. As I entered the Pow Wow I hear chanting and the beating of a drum to a spirit I know little to nothing about, but made me want to learn more. As I proceed to the back of the pow wow there is a tee pee. I was told abruptly that I can not take photos in the tee pee. I said, ” OK” and entered. I was greeted by a man in a white shirt with jeans that asked me if I had ever done this before.
I said hesitantly, “umm no?
what is this ?” He tells me this is like a prayer to your ancestors you take a hand of sage and a hand of tobacco and throw them into the fire. Whatever you want to wish for or ask for from your ancestors do it as you throw the sage and tobacco into the fire. It seemed easy enough. As I made my wish on to my ancestors I smelled the burning of the newly opened tobacco and withering sage and sat down on a bale of hay so my friends could do that same. I walked out of the tee pee smelling of smoke and proceed to watch and take pictures of other first nation people dancing and chanting. I am hoping my wish will come true. It was an experience to remember.