Bay St. George Mi'Kmaq Cultural Revival Committee
The purpose of the Bay St. George Mi’kmaq Cultural Revival Committee is to revive, enhance, support and preserve an awareness of Mi’kmaq Culture. As well as direct and highlight cultural revival activities for the Mi’kmaq of the Bay St. George area. EST 2005
Powwow Etiquitte
Powwows are fun events, but they are also sacred events. Ceremonial songs and dances are sacred, and are shared with the people from time to time throughout the powwow. People should stand during all ceremonial songs and dances. These include the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Veteran Songs, Honour Songs, and any other songs that the master of ceremonies designates as ceremonial songs. Do not take any photos, video or sound recordings of ceremonies without asking permission from the person or group you are recording. Some areas do not allow the recording of ceremonies at all.
People should listen to the master of ceremonies because he will announce the different songs and will also let visitors know when they can dance and when they cannot. He will also give out other information and news.
Respect the Elders, singers, dancers, drummers, and the powwow staff and committee.
The dancers wear regalia while they are dancing, not “costumes”. People should not touch the regalia or take photos unless they receive permission from the dancer.
Appropriate dress and behaviour are required in the dance area.
The sacred fire is a place to examine your thoughts and to pray. Do not turn your back to the Sacred Fire.
Do not talk loudly around the fire or throw anything into the fire. Tobacco will be available at the fire and people who pray there offer small amounts to the Creator.
People should take good care of their children at the powwow. Do not hold children while dancing in the dance area. The child may be construed as a gift to the Creator.
Do not run around the dance area. Horseplay is not tolerated. Always walk in a clockwise direction when you are in the dance area.
Do not bring drugs or alcohol to a powwow. Do not come to a powwow if you are intoxicated.
Dogs are not permitted around the powwow area. If you are travelling with your pet, please seek out the powwow staff for advice on where dogs can be walked.
Bring your own chairs. Do not sit on someone else’s chair unless you ask permission
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Remember, you are a guest. Have fun, ask questions, and meet people.
Why are Mi’kmaq Cultural Events, Drug and Alcohol Free?
Other than the obvious reasons of wanting to promote a healthy way of life and keep our events safe from abuse, we want to recognize that drugs and alcohol are killing so many First Nations people, and in fact many peoples from all over the world. They are not a part of our Aboriginal cultures, and out of respect for our Nation, and of the many people who have suffered, we choose to promote wellness, and protect our people, guests, ceremonies, and gatherings from harm. This is the example we wish to pass on to our children.
Our purpose in taking part in these ceremonies is to purify the mind, body, and spirit, to pray for the healing of others, Mother Earth, and self, to seek spiritual guidance, and to pay respect to Gisoolg (Creator) for all that has been provided for sustenance. We ask people to be absent from (non prescription drugs) and alcohol for at least four days prior to taking part in any ceremony. There are many reasons for this. Safety of everyone involved is important as well as providing a clean and clear mind and body so that a person is “present” and aware, and ready to commit oneself to the ceremony. Respect is an important Mi’kmaq value, and our ceremonies need to be respected from abuse of any kind.