Culture, tradition, and community shine at 27th annual MSIFN Powwow

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: A vibrant display of song, dance, and cultural pride was on full display over the weekend, as the 27th annual Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) Powwow welcomed guests to the community.

Held on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th on the Powwow grounds of Scugog Island, the beloved annual event drew enthusiastic crowds on both days, coming together in celebration of Indigenous culture and community.

"This Powwow is a celebration of who we are,” said Beedashiga Elliot, who served as Master of Ceremonies. “It’s about coming together, sharing our traditions, and honouring the resilience and beauty of our people.”

The Powwow, held annually on the third weekend of July, is a cultural cornerstone for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. It features traditional drumming, singing, and a full range of dances, including the jingle dance, fancy dance, and grass dance. These performances took centre stage, following the Grand Entry, a stirring procession led by the Eagle Staff and flags, setting the tone for the weekend’s festivities.

Throughout the event, drumming circles resonated across the grounds, creating a rhythmic heartbeat for the Powwow. “The drum is more than music, it’s medicine. It connects us to the land and to each other,” Mr. Elliot explained. “When we drum together, we’re building unity and keeping our culture strong.”

Beyond the performances, attendees explored a vibrant array of artisan booths, offering handcrafted jewelry, beadwork, leather goods, and more. Food vendors served up traditional fare, including: bannock, wild rice, and game meats, giving visitors a taste of Indigenous culinary heritage.

For the Mississaugas of Scugog Island and many other Indigenous peoples, the Powwow is not only a celebration but also a way of preserving and passing on culture to future generations.

“This is about education as much as celebration,” said Mr. Elliot. “By opening our Powwow to the wider public, we create space for understanding, connection, and respect.”

With dancers of all ages taking part, from tiny tot categories to golden age veterans, the MSIFN Powwow remains a testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous traditions and the strength of community.

As the drums faded and the final songs echoed across the Island, visitors departed with full hearts and a deeper appreciation for the stories, ceremonies, and people which make up the living culture of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.