2022-09-07

Gold River Powwow to take place Sept. 10 and 11

GOLD RIVER – After a two-year hiatus the Gold River powwow is making its return.

The event, being held Sept. 10 and 11 is one of the final powwows to be held in the Atlantic powwow trail that features 30 weekend events held from June 4 to the end of September throughout the Atlantic provinces.

"We are always one of the last ones in September, which is great because it brings back everyone together from all over Mi'kma'ki. I'm really looking forward to it," said Natteal Battiste, a councillor with the Acadia First Nation, which the Gold River reserve is a part of.

"We're so excited to bring different communities into our community."

She said that everyone is welcome to attend the two-day celebration that will take place adjacent to the community centre on Pennell Road.

It will feature dancing, of course, starting with the grand entry at 1 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Surrounding this will be many activities, such as fireworks, vendors, merchandise bingo, a hand drum competition (Saturday), breakfast starting at 8 a.m. on both days, and a big feast Saturday scheduled for between 5 and 6 p.m.

Emcee for the event is Derek Bouge from the Listuguj First Nation. Head female is Mary-Beth Robichaud and head male is Logen Lewis. Junior Head Female is Makayla Googoo. Junior Head Male is Ala'suinu Bouge. Head Veteran is Allan Knockwood. Host Drum is Smokey Point with co-host the East Boys and the invited drum is Moose Crossing.

Battiste said she has been working hard to ensure that businesses and people are more than welcome to be a part of this event.

"We've made sure to reach out to the companies to build more of a relationship with them. We opened the invitation to make sure that they know they are more than welcome to join with us," she said.

"Since I've been elected to the Acadia First Nation band, I've been focused on keeping and building relationships with the businesses around us as we are all one community in Chester, on the reserve or not. I think that it's important to remember that it's an open invitation for them to be a part of it."

She added they have been working on gathering sponsorships and said there is an additional opportunity for individuals and businesses to be a part of the give-away blanket which are given to dancers and audience members alike.

These give-away blankets may include everything from school supplies, business swag, crafts, homemade items and more.

For more information on the upcoming event, check out the Facebook page: Gold River Pow Wow Official Page 2022.