Spirit of Our Nations Powwow crowns new princess
- Jamin Mike and Morgan Esperance | November 17, 2015
Maggie Eastman had a very emotional Spirit of Our Nations powwow. On Saturday, during the supper break intermission, the powwow crowned her the new Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Princess. Eastman was overwhelmed with tears of joy.
“I wanted to run because I have a message to bring forward to the youth,” said the powwow princess. It was her dream to earn this title ever since seeing the past FSIN princesses run when she was a young girl. “My message is to take the time to learn your language and take the time to go back to your cultural and ceremonial ways. This is what’s going to help us and heal us in the future.”
See more photos in our Photo Gallery.
Many others agree with her and are in much support as she takes on this role and leads by example just like the former FSIN Princess Jolene Creely.
From the Okanese reserve, Creely is truly proud that she had the opportunity to represent the 74 First Nations as a Dakota and Cree woman.
“I would definitely encourage the next Miss FSIN princess to just keep living a good life and to stay away from that negative aspect,” said Creely who is currently a student at the First Nations University of Canada.
Over 700 dancers registered for the annual Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations powwow, and they gathered to share in celebration and spirit. Dancers such as Laryn Oakes come to the powwow each year for the enjoyment of being with peers and fellow dancers. Oakes has much to say as she not only dances but spectates the entire event.
“It’s a pretty good turnout and there are a lot of good drums here. There are lots of dancers that came from all over the United States and Canada.” She has been attending and dancing at this powwow since before she could remember. Oakes especially enjoys the singing of the powwow.
Drummer and singer Dallas Waskahat of Frog Lake, Alberta enjoys the powwow each year he attends.
“The turn outs pretty big, it’s pretty big every year coming here to Saskatoon,” he says. Waskahat is the lead singer for the Cree Confederation drum group based out of Edmonton, Alberta. “I think the facility is excellent and brings out a lot of people.” He has been coming to the Spirit of Our Nations powwow since 2001 originally with the champion drum group ‘Black Stone.’
The celebration was a success as each dancer, singer and spectator enjoyed themselves. Each day went along smooth as the committee dedicated all of their time to this weekend and event.
The new Miss FSIN is still in shock since the crown was placed on her head.
“It feels so amazing! I am so grateful to represent the 74 First Nations across Saskatchewan. And as soon as I was crowned, I felt tears of joy. I am so happy to be doing this. I’m so excited to travel to the schools and to talk to the youth about the message I need to bring forth,” said Eastman.