The Waterloo pow wow grounds took some exploration to discover on Saturday.
Tucked as they were at the back end of Waterloo Park, with the telltale sounds of drums and singers drowned out by the roars and circus like atmosphere of a nearby college football game, the venue was not easy to find.
But the 13th Annual Waterloo Traditional Pow Wow, put on by the Waterloo Aboriginal Education Centre at St. Paul's, was well worth the long, winding search.
The event attracted a large contingent of participants from Guelph, which contributed to a crowd of over 1,000 people, aboriginal and non-aboriginal alike.
The joyful day was one of traditional dance, song, food and craft. It is the closest annual pow wow to Guelph, and many from the city gravitated to it on a sunny and warm fall day.
Pow wows are the North American Aboriginal People’s way of gathering together to share traditional dance, song and food, renewing old friendships and making new ones. In this way the culture is rejuvenated and heritage preserved.
The elaborate dress, the piercing songs, and stirring drums inspired hundreds to participate in the many all-tribal dances. As was repeatedly stated throughout the event, all tribes were warmly welcomed.
Representatives from numerous aboriginal tribes, including several from across Ontario, and some from across the Canada-US border, took part.
The very young and the very old donned traditional garments and showcased traditional dance steps and elaborate artistry. A crowd of several hundred encircled the dance grounds, with drummers and singers in the center. Food and craft vendors curved around the perimeter.
This photo gallery shares some of the moves, expressions, and beauty of the event.
