Students in Thunder Bay, Ont., share music and movement of powwows with their peers

Dean Maud says he doesn't know any other hoop dancers in the Thunder Bay, Ont., area. But the 15-year-old from Skownan First Nation in Manitoba is hoping to change that.

"It's like a rainbow. Every move you see is different but it's also colourful," said Maud. "Every move has a meaning."

Maud showcased his skills at Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute on Thursday for Lakehead Public Schools' first ever Powwow Kick-Off event.

Arranging the hoops over his arms and legs, he resembled different animals, telling stories of their significance to his culture.

Families were invited to the high school to watch a range of young dancers — as well as a youth drum group — to learn more about powwow teachings and practices.

"We have a lot of pride within our schools and especially within our Indigenous culture, and I have a lot of pride in the students that I get to walk with," said Indigenous wellness co-ordinator Shai Loyie, who has ties to Couchiching First Nation and Manitou Rapids.

"I can see and feel their pride, and I want them to show off and to be proud of themselves and to be strong role models." 

Heading into the summer powwow season, Loyie said it's important to help inspire the next generation of dancers and drummers with the confidence to express themselves.

"The main goal of this was to really encourage families to come out to learn something new and to get to know their community youth leaders in a really beautiful way," she said.

Carson Loyie, Shai Loyie's brother, is a grass dancer. The 14-year-old explained the origins of the dance, from when community members would stomp down on the powwow lands to flatten the grass "so nobody would trip."

"Grass dancers, they represent the sweetgrass and the wind," he said.

Kiaya Nowegijick, a 16-year-old fancy shawl dancer from Gull Bay First Nation, says her shawl resembles the wings of a butterfly.

"It feels really good to dance because I feel like when I was a little girl, there wasn't much fancy shawl [dancing]. So, sharing your gift of dance is also being a leader to those who are younger," Nowegijick said. 

Her friend, Adam Hubbard, dances in the woodland style. The 16-year-old from Whitesand First Nation explained how his regalia features blueberries, to represent his grandfather, and an otter fur turban, which tells the story of an otter that offered to wrap himself around a hunter's head to conceal him from the light.