Matachewan First Nation Welcomes Record Crowd for Annual Pow Wow
Matachewan First Nation came alive over the weekend as more than 400 participants, visitors, dancers, singers and drummers gathered for the community’s Annual Pow Wow on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30. With bright sunshine overhead and people arriving from across northern Ontario and beyond, this year’s celebration became one of the largest and most memorable yet.
Chief Alex “Sonny” Batisse said the strong turnout was something the community was proud to see. The Pow Wow, he explained, is about much more than a two-day gathering. It is a chance for people to celebrate their culture, history and community while creating a space for younger generations to learn and stay connected to their roots.
Much of the event’s success came from the people who volunteered their time. Pow Wow Coordinator Marilyn Groulx organized the gathering with the help of numerous community volunteers who worked behind the scenes before the event and throughout the weekend. Groulx said the annual celebration has become something people look forward to every year, and this year’s turnout made the hard work worthwhile.
Families and Elders Return Home
The Pow Wow attracted community members, supporters and visitors from throughout northern Ontario and neighbouring First Nations. Elders from Beaverhouse First Nation and Mattagami First Nation attended to show their support, while many Matachewan members who now live away from the community made the trip home to reconnect with family and friends.
For Executive Director Jean Lemieux, that sense of coming home is one of the most meaningful parts of the event. The record attendance gave members living elsewhere an opportunity to return to their home community, spend time with loved ones and reconnect with the land and people that remain an important part of their lives.
Elder Vina Hendrix-Landry, a lifelong Matachewan resident, said she especially enjoys seeing the community come together and meeting people who are interested in learning about Matachewan’s families, language, culture and history. She sees the Pow Wow as an opportunity to pass that knowledge on to children while also welcoming others who want to learn.
A Weekend Filled With Dance, Music and Tradition
The weekend featured Grand Entries, special songs, welcoming ceremonies and performances honouring veterans. One of the highlights on the opening day was the introduction of three new female dancers taking part in a Pow Wow for the first time. Brianna Julien, McKenna St Martin and Trina Boucher, all members of Matachewan First Nation, proudly joined the celebration.
The Grand Entry featured a wide range of flags representing the community, veterans, First Nations organizations, police services, Canada, Every Child Matters and the Two Spirit community. Chief Batisse led the entry alongside community staff and flag carriers, setting the tone for a weekend centred on respect, remembrance and unity.
The event also featured a full lineup of head dancers, including elder, adult, youth and veteran dancers. Elder Vina Hendrix-Landry offered prayers during ceremonial moments in her traditional Ojibwe language, adding another important connection to the community’s heritage.
Drums and Traditional Teachings
Five drum groups took part throughout the weekend. Kitchissippi Rini served as the host drum, with Ironstone as the co-host and Indian Road, Standing Pine and Ghost Mountain also participating. An all-women’s drum group added a special performance on the first day.
The weekend was guided by MC Gerald Chum of Moose Cree First Nation and Arena Director Craig Trudeau of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Traditional teacher Tom Batisse also led sunrise ceremonies on both mornings, sharing teachings and helping create a meaningful start to each day.
Growing a Tradition Since 2012
The Matachewan Pow Wow has continued to grow since its first event in August 2012, originally held under the name “Honouring Our Ancestors.” Over the years, the community has developed dedicated Pow Wow grounds, including a central arbour that was installed just in time for this year’s gathering.
Nearby, a ceremonial tipi housed a sacred fire that burned throughout the two-day event. Firekeepers Hubert Groulx, Alfred Groulx and Dean Miller helped care for the fire, adding another important spiritual element to the celebration.
The community’s covered outdoor rink was also busy throughout the weekend, with vendors offering food, merchandise and information from local organizations and businesses. There was something for everyone to enjoy between the dances, performances and gatherings.
A Community Celebration to Remember
From the dancers and drummers to the elders, volunteers, families and visitors, this year’s Pow Wow was a true community effort. The record turnout showed how strongly people continue to value opportunities to come together, celebrate tradition and share culture with one another.
With support from numerous sponsors, including Barrick Mining, GreenFirst Forest Products, Temiskaming Forests Alliance, Discovery Porcupine (Dome), Gold Candle Ltd., Ontario Power Generation, FNX Sudbury, Canada Nickel, Hydro One, Alamos Gold, LakeShore Gold, Georgia Pacific, Stllr Gold, Smith Customs, Neoen Renewables Canada Inc. and an anonymous U.S. donor, the event was able to bring the community together for another successful year.
For Matachewan First Nation, the Annual Pow Wow is more than a yearly event. It is a chance to return home, honour the past, celebrate the present and make sure the community’s culture and traditions continue to be shared with the next generation.
