Changing Lives

My family and I recently had the chance to travel up North to a small community of Sandy Lake where we would be participating in the first ever pow wow.  My sons being drummers were honoured, my husband who was a speaker was thrilled and myself as a dancer was touched by the people.  We were treated well for our three day stay and the people were so kind.  The children were so fascinated with us and asked questions as much as their minds could muster.  Young teens were inquisite and eager to hear more stories of our lives as they visited with us.  Suffice to say, there were even people who did not want us to leave.  To me, that said a lot.  It said that we were a breath of fresh air for some of them who courageously showed their spirit.  This is what life is all about, giving what the Creator has given you to others. It really is a gift.  Along with us, nearly a dozen others travelled to this gathering as well to join in the festivities and the workshops.  In short, we made a lasting impact on the community who I am sure will be thrilled to have another pow wow next year.  Despite the bug bites, it was such an experience that will stay with me forever.

Moments in time

I recently spent some time with my three sons at a pow wow we attended and I realized how good it was to be with them again. It's been nearly a year since we traveled to a gathering anywhere and it felt really good, and it made me feel good that I was helping them get to their destination. Once they arrived they sang their first song and just when it was about to end some older male dancer came to fan the drum so the boys continued singing. Once those four rounds were done another dancer came to blow a whistle on the drum so they continue another four rounds and lastly another dancer came to fan the drum and the boys kept on singing. So it was good. The boys were happy. It's such an honour for them to be recognized and appreciated in the pow wow community like that, they strive to improve their drumming and singing all the time. They literally live by the drum. It's their driving force. The drum group has about 12 singers and they are from the ages of 15 to 26 years old. With my son being the 15 year old who is the lead singer, he has matured into a fine young man which makes me so proud. I idolized his drive, his spirit for living this way of life and many others look up to him as well. He's been drumming since he was 9 and he became lead singer when he was about 12 and he's constantly improved which I couldn't asked for more. I am blessed. Life is good. My sons will continue to travel to pow wows until they are old I think, they won't stop and that is a good thing. I just thought I'd share that~a personal story.