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The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, a proud and progressive people, have a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of values. As one of the first peoples to greet explorers from afar, Algonquins adapted smoothly to the changes that trading brought to our community. Our ability to adapt continues, but never at the expense of our symbols, traditions and beliefs. Today, our elders still pass on longstanding teachings and give guidance to our young.
We express our heritage in both traditional and contemporary ways through the more than 100 dancers and four drum groups in our community who carry out colourful ceremonies. In our traditional grass dance, for example, the dancer uses ribbons to replace the long and flattened grasses used in earlier times. Our jingle dancers, named for the tin jingles on their clothing, now use silk and cotton for their dresses when they perform their healing rituals. Shawl dancers too use exquisite contemporary materials to create their garments. But traditional regalia has its place as well, and many dancers still wear clothing made of animal pelts and leather. And at our intertribal dances at Pow Wow, everyone can participate, no matter what they’re wearing.
