Mi'kmaq Confederacy powwow: 5 things to know

A few hundred people gathered at Confederation Landing in Charlottetown for day one of the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI's eighth annual powwow Tuesday afternoon.

The celebrations continue tomorrow, and members of the public are invited to join the festivities, and experience elements of First Nations culture.

Never been to a powwow? Here are a few things to know.

1. Not a traditional powwow

Matt McGuire with the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI explained that this two-day powwow does not have all the elements of a traditional powwow.

"We hold it during the week, there's no sacred fire with it,"he said.

However, the celebrations will still include many elements of traditional powwows, including singing, dancing and drumming.

McGuire explained that this powwow is largely focused on sharing traditions with the public.

"It's a chance for people to see, hear and experience some First Nation culture first hand," he said.

There was a traditional powwow held last weekend on Lennox Island, and there will be another this weekend on Panmure Island.

2. Performers from across Island and region

While some dancers, drummers and singers may be locals, McGuire said some of them are coming from further away.

"They're from across the island, and across the region," he said.

McGuire said some people spend much of their summers travelling around and going to different powwows.

3. No photos during honour song

While people are welcome to take photographs during most of the afternoon, photography is not permitted during the honour song, which is sung at the beginning of the powwow.

They don't have to be nervous about doing something wrong.- Matt McGuire

McGuire said people shouldn't worry about knowing these rules before they show up.

"We have a master of ceremonies who does make some of those things known to visitors, so they don't have to be nervous about doing something wrong," said McGuire.

4. Elders eat first

As part of the celebration, there will be food served at the end of the day, which everyone is welcome to enjoy. But there's another important piece of etiquette don't dash to the front of the food line.

"When the feast portion happens, it's made very clear that elders are going to be served first," said McGuire. "Staff of the confederacy will serve them where they sit, and then everybody else has a chance to eat."

5. You can join the dancing

Day two begins at 1 p.m. Wednesday, and there will be singing and dancing until 5pm.

While there are certain dances that only the dancers in their traditional regalia will dance, McGuire said people are welcome to join in for many of the dances.

Again, he said the MC will make it clear when the public is welcome to join in.

"They're fairly easy to participate in, and members of the public are encouraged to join in."

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