Introduction

Greetings,

These are only the memories, experiences and information of band members and others who have helped with our powwow over the years. The powwow you see today in our community is the result of many years of organizing, planning, and trying to be better year over year. The Rama powwow journey began in the late 1970's when these early celebrations of song and dance were just starting in the local area.

We make no claim that what you will read inside this booklet is accurate for all First Nations groups, or even for all Anishinaabe people, near or far. It is simply a Chippewas of Rama First Nation perspective that we offer here. It is offered as a record of some of the questions we are constantly asked, and the answers we continue to give to those questions.

The powwow tradition on Turtle Island is a long and honourable one. When you consider that powwows have been around in some form for more than two hundred years, Rama First Nation is just new to the movement.

For thousands of years, our community has been known for its outstanding hospitality and our ability to care for all visitors and make them feel welcome. This publication is an extension of that.

We hope it will be a lasting document that helps people begin to understand what powwow represents to us as a community. The powwow passes on social, language and cultural teachings and a way to be thankful for all we have.

Please join us in that dance circle and experience a small part of our way of life, with which we are all blessed.

Sherry Lawson, Administrator of Heritage Services, Chippewas of Rama First Nation