Dancer proud to see son perform at 25th Sitansisk powwow

Standing at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Sitansisk powwow, Derek Barnaby recalled his first dance.

Barnaby, who also goes by the last name Bouge, said he had a caveman look on his first dance, covered in red, black, yellow and white colours, wearing leather from his shoulders down to the ground.

He said he has been dancing for more than three decades now. He said he and his wife were the first head dancers at the Sitansisk, also known as St. Mary's First Nation, powwow 25 years ago.

Now their 20-year old son, who began dancing as a toddler, is a proud performer.

"We really pushed our family into the traditions of dance, singing, culture, identity ... and we really helped push our kids to learn and respect who they are as Indigenous people," he said.

Barnaby said his childhood was impacted by the restrictions of residential schools and colonization in some way or the other, so he chose a different life for his kids.

"To see him out there dancing and celebrating without ever feeling like he's doing something shameful or wrong, man, it's been quite the experience, and I'm very proud of it as a father and as somebody who's a teacher of culture and dance," he said.

He said the powwow is an event to feel what your heart says and dance without the fear of being judged.

"If you do it from inside your heart, our elders will always say that's the best way," said Barnaby.

Barnaby's son, Alasuinu Madahbee Bouge, said listening to his parents' experiences inspired him to compete and dance at powwows.

"I knew I had the ability to do it and I had every resource that I could imagine … and finally had the courage," he said.

"I wanted to be the best that I could be."

He said his mind feels free and he gets lost in the art when he dances. 

Bouge says his generation is fortunate to be able to learn the culture from their parents and the next generation will be "blessed for sure."

Chief Allan Polchies said hosting the powwow at the St. Mary's Old Reserve on the banks of the Wolastoq has sentimental value.

"We honour the Wolastoq," he said.

He said the St. Mary's powwow has grown from hundreds to thousands of attendees over the years. He said so many people "have come to embrace our beautiful culture."