First Nations dancers head to Florida for 50th annual Seminole powwow

Jason Henry hopes when he and his wife dance this weekend in Hollywood, Fla., their moccasin prints will last for years. 

Henry, who is Anishinaabe from the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, near Sarnia, Ont., said every time he dances at a powwow it's a chance to encourage the younger generations to embrace their culture.

"Our foremost objective for our children is to give them identity, to show them that we are Anishinaabe and there is strength and power and beauty in being who we are," said Henry, 42. 

The Seminole Tribe of Florida kicked off their 50th annual powwow this weekend at the Hollywood Reservation and Henry, his wife and 16-year-old daughter flew over 2,000 kilometres to attend.

Henry dances men's woodland style and said he is excited to share his culture, to hear new drums and make new relations. Henry said he feels privileged to be able to dance and share his culture because his grandfather wasn't afforded those same opportunities. 

"The powwow itself has provided an easy way for many people to begin embracing their culture and their identity and to connect to who we are as nations," he said.

He said the only difficulty they faced was they left behind their eagle feathers because they worried about travelling with them. But now, he's focused on creating lasting memories with his family. 

Wanda Bowers, co-organizer of the Seminole Tribal Fair and Powwow, said they expect over 300 dancers, 100 vendors and over 10 drums to attend this year.

The powwow is offering $150,000 in prize money and will feature several dance styles and two specials. This year's 50th anniversary means a lot to Bowers because she's been on the organizing committee since the 1980s.

"I love, you know, organizing the powwow to make sure that everybody has a big time," said Bowers, 71.

She said her biggest challenge is co-ordinating all the travel plans, as people come from points all over the U.S. and parts of Canada.

Bowers said the annual powwow allows her community members to sell their crafts, but also gives her nation a chance to shine in the spotlight. 

"I love seeing all my tribal members come out and enjoy the powwow because a lot of them don't get to go out West," said Bowers.