Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow

Sunday afternoon, hubby and I decided to take a drive to the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow that is held the last weekend of July on the Six Nations Reservation just outside Brantford. We arrived to find that yesterday's downpour had made the parking lot, which is located at Chiefswood Tent and Trailer Park, very muddy. We found a parking place and headed toward the Grand River where the Pow Wow is held.

I thought the canoe with the marigolds and other flowers was a unique idea. The canoe certainly makes a great flower bed.

We headed to the dance area and the tots were dancing. The little fellow in the green and yellow feathers was stealing the show. I love the see the little ones dance. They are so proud of themselves for performing in front of the audience and so they should be. They put on a great performance.

After the dancing we headed to the craft area. Above is one of the booths. There was everything here, including carved soapstone, t-shirts, jewelry, wood carvings and so much more. I enjoyed seeing all of the things that the Native people create to display and sell at Pow Wows across Canada and the US.

Above is a photo of one of the native men dressed in his regalia. They do not like people to call them costumes and it is poor Pow Wow etiquette to take photos of individuals without permission. There are also certain dances where the announcer asks for no photography. I always respect the customs and traditions when I attend a Pow Wow.

A family was walking toward us and they were dressed in their finest. What wonderful memories this little girl will have when she grows up of attending the Pow Wow and performing in the dance competition. Another of the performers. This woman was so polite when I asked if she would pose for a photograph.

Hubby and I took our time browsing the craft booths and then we headed for the food booths. He enjoys a buffalo burger each time we attend the Pow Wow. I usually do as well, but this year decided on a chicken wrap and it was delicious.

Chiefswood is the home of Canadian Native Poetess Pauline Johnson and is right on the banks of the Grand River. It is a heavily wooded area that is a perfect spot for the vendors who sell their wares here and also for the public to enjoy the beauty of the area and the lovely summer breeze. It was especially nice to visit this beautiful spot again.

I hope you enjoyed your Sunday as much as we did. Have a great week. ~Blessings, Mary~