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10K expected in Saint John for first powwow

Saint John, NB, Canada / Country 94
Brad Perry
Oct 25, 2024 | 6:01 AM
10K expected in Saint John for first powwow

Possesom Paul is part of Double Curve Media. Image: Zoom video capture



Thousands are expected to descend on Saint John throughout the weekend.

The city is hosting its inaugural Menahqesk Powwow at TD Station on Saturday and Sunday.

It is part of a “Powwow Trail” where people travel all over the province to attend events over the summer and fall every year.

The City of Saint John and Double Curve Media have teamed up to organize what they plan will be an annual event.

Nipahtuwet Naka Wespahtuwet — also known as Possesom Paul — is with Double Curve Media and said work has been underway since December.

“One of the big opportunities, of course, is that you have the Indigenous community that’s in Saint John that hasn’t had any opportunity to gather in this way,” said Paul.

“This is going to be a huge boon for them but also for identity within the city.”

Around 2.6 per cent of the Saint John community, or about 3,300 people, claim Indigenous identity.

The city anticipates more than 10,000 visitors from across the region will come to Saint John to attend the powwow.

More than 300 dancers are expected to be there along with 40-plus Indigenous craft and food vendors.

“This is going to be a great opportunity to highlight our styles in such a wonderful way to share with the community, to share with everybody,” said Paul.

Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon said within days of the city announcing the powwow, they already had sponsors coming on board.

Reardon said they expect this event will be “over the top” for the city and they may need to find an even larger venue next year.

City officials previously said that the potential of 5,000 to 10,000 visitors would generate $1 million to $2 million in spending for the region.

Grand entry is at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with the market opening at 11 a.m. both days.

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