Walpole Island First Nation is getting ready to celebrate its first Pow Wow after a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.
"It's an opportunity for us to gather, socialize, and reconnect with our family members who will be travelling here," said Pow Wow Organizer Stacey Nahdee. "It also gives us the opportunity to honour individuals, groups, and people for the things that they have experienced in life."
The 28th Annual Walpole Island Spring PowWow is being held at the Walpole Island Sports Complex Fairground which is located off of Highway 30 or Highway 40 if travelling from Sarnia or Wallaceburg. The two-day event runs from Saturday, May 21 to Sunday, May 22. Festivities start at 12 p.m. and go until about 6 p.m.
Nahdee said everyone is welcome to the free, family-friendly event. Up to 70 vendors will be present through the weekend and include booths for crafts, food, services, and information.
"This year, we're honouring the two years that we have missed due to the pandemic," said Nahdee. "We have all struggled through the pandemic, so we're adding all that stuff in there to make it special."
Nadhee said the Pow Wow is not only a place to honour one another but also themselves.
"It's a time to acknowledge the special things that people have accomplished in their lives, that they have gone through, and that they have made it through," said Nadhee.
A children's special will happen on Sunday between 1-2 pm with all of the little ones coming in with their parents. Volunteer positions for daytime presence in parking lots, helping on the grounds, and more are still available.
Those interested can contact Stacey Nadhee at 226-627-9133 or visit the event's Facebook page.