The Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow is being called a big success after a weekend of dancing, drumming, culture and community in Smiths Falls.
The event, presented by the Falls Food Hub, began Saturday at Duck Island before Sunday’s celebration moved indoors to the Smiths Falls Youth Arena because of rain.
Despite the weather, organizers say the energy carried through the weekend, with families, dancers, drums, vendors and visitors coming together for a meaningful celebration.
Ashley Saunders, operations lead for the Falls Food Hub Program of The Table, says the turnout showed strong community support.
She added it gave people a chance to learn more about Indigenous culture in a welcoming setting.
This year’s Pow Wow featured head dancer Awema Tendesi of Kitigan Zibi Algonquin First Nation, along with invited drums including Eagle River, Little Creek, White Tail Cree, Ottawa River and Wild Band.
The weekend also included dance exhibitions, specials and Indigenous vendors.
Saunders says the event came together through many partnerships.
Organizers say the move indoors on Sunday did not slow the celebration down.
They say the Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow remained a powerful weekend of culture, connection and community pride.
