Akwesasne International Pow Wow
An Exciting Gathering Place for Many Nations of People.
For the last six years, the community of Akwesasne has been the host to the Akwesasne International Pow Wow. The Pow Wow which is held annually on the second weekend in September brings together many First Nations communities, as well as a large number of non-natives from the surrounding communities and nationalities from afar. The Pow Wow provides a positive avenue for Akwesasne to share its rich cultural heritage with the public.
This past September, 2006, marked the sixth annual Akwesasne International Pow Wow, which was held on the grounds of the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena on Kawehnoke (Cornwall Island). By all accounts, and as every year before, it was a resounding success. Six drum groups provided beats and dance songs for the close to two hundred dancers from across North America . The Pow- Wow drew over 5,000 visitors to this wonderful two-day event.
Back-grounded by the beautiful blue waters of the St. Lawrence River, visitors from many States and Provinces made this location a two day venue. Good music, Good Food and Good Company. The Akwesasne International Pow-Wow brings together the best Native artisans, musicians and dancers from the region. This year the featured dancers came from Central America. The famous Aztec Dance Troup performed several times over the two day event drawing crowds of awestruck visitors, who were impressed with their fantastic regalia and athletic abilities.
Many have remarked that this is the best Pow-Wow they have ever been to. The invitation is open to the public every year to come and share this wonderful experience.
The Powow’s major sponsors included the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the St Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, the Mohawk Bingo Palace, Scotia Bank, the Brookdale Center, the Benson Organization, 97.3 FM CKON Radio,, Bell Canada, Pepsi Bottling Company, Telus Communications, Indian Time Newspaper, Bank Of Montreal, Truck Stop #9 and #9 Fuels, Brookshell Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd., Ontario Power Generation, The Thompson-Rosemount Group, as well as all the dance sponsors.
The Akwesasne International Powwow was made possible through the hard work and dedication of the Akwesasne International Powwow Committee, MCA Chief Larry King, Romaine Mitchell, Bonnie Mitchell, Clarissa Jacobs, Sandra Rourke, as well as all the committed volunteers and the community of Akwesasne .
