Concordia’s second annual Pow Wow: a photo essay

byCamila Lewandowski

September 26, 2023

2 minute read

Montréal still has a long way to go to improve its relationship with Indigenous peoples, but cultural events like these bring Montréalers one step closer to reconciliation. Photo by Camila Lewandowski.

Building a safe space that recognizes Indigenous culture

Hundreds of students, faculty members and staff gathered at Concordia’s Loyola campus to celebrate the second edition of the university’s Pow Wow celebrations on Friday, Sept. 15th.

Dancer Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo performing the Crow Hop. Photo By Camila Lewandowski

Visitors had the chance to see multiple dances by different North American Indigenous and Inuit communities. Photo By Camila Lewandowski

Multidisciplinary artist Jennifer Léveillé Mcfarlane reconnected to her Indigenous heritage through acrylic painting. She uses elements from nature, such as tree leaves, to adorn her pieces. Photo By Camila Lewandowski

Jolene Robichaud’s grandmother had promised to teach her how to bead. However, life had other plans, and Robichaud learned how to bead by herself in honour of her late grandmother.
Photo By Camila Lewandowski

Ken and Lenore have been selling their regalia together for the past 35 years. Although their traveling years are behind them (they once travelled from Halifax all the way down to California), the two friends now participate in the local Pow Wows. Photo by Camila Lewandowski

Friends Virginie Ribiero, Laura Cardoso and Megan Blais share their passion for handcrafting by joining weekly beading meetings. Photo By Camila Lewandowski

This two-spirited dancer performed a hoop dance that was originally a dance exclusively performed by men. Two-spirit is an Indigenous term for LGBTQ+ community members. Photos By Camila Lewandowski

This two-spirited dancer performed a hoop dance that was originally a dance exclusively performed by men. Two-spirit is an Indigenous term for LGBTQ+ community members. Photos By Camila Lewandowski

These four men performed a traditional men’s dance, right before the inter-tribal dance. Photos by Camila Lewandowski.

These four men performed a traditional men’s dance, right before the inter-tribal dance. Photos by Camila Lewandowski.

Spectators were invited to participate in the inter-tribal dance. Everyone was welcomed to let loose by dancing together in a circle. Photos By Camila Lewandowski

Spectators were invited to participate in the inter-tribal dance. Everyone was welcomed to let loose by dancing together in a circle. Photos By Camila Lewandowski

Kaylah Mentour works for the Kahnawake Tourism Welcome Center, which promotes Indigenous culture amongst tourists and locals. Photo by Camila Lewandowski

JC Bear disseminates Indigenous humour through her graphic design and bead work. Photo by Camila Lewandowski.

The Indigenous Futures Research Centre empowers and promotes Indigenous culture through various workshops and conferences. From right to left: Margaret Lapp, Caeleaigh Lightning, Hamss Lujam, and Joëlle Dubé. Photo by Camila Lewandowski.

A dancer performs Métis jigging, a characteristic dance from the Red River. The jig combines First Nations dancing with Scottish and French-Canadian step-dancing. Photos by Camila Lewandowski.

Diabo greets students from a Kahnawake grade school after her first performance. Photos by Camila Lewandowski.

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Camila Lewandowski

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