Fifteen-year-old Lou Davis and 17-year-old Alexis Isaacs want Indigenous young people to celebrate their culture and feel empowered by tradition.

Youth took the lead at the Niagara Regional Native Centre’s annual powwow Saturday, connecting culture and celebration.

Isaacs and Davis served as youth co-ordinators for this year’s powwow, taking responsibility for organizing the event.

The theme was “Nurturing Our Roots Honouring Our Youth,” something Isaacs was particularly excited to take on.

“It was really important for us to honour the youth, especially with us being youth and seeing the kind of decrease in supports for youth over the years,” she said.

The day began with a grand entry at noon, followed by dances, food and craft vendors.

Many of the dancers were youth and older youth, Isaacs told The Lake Report.

Isaacs wore a jingle dress and performed during the powwow.

“It’s being able to feed my spirit and nurture it and being able to be like, I did this for me, not for anybody else. It’s really rewarding.”

Davis, who has been attending powwows his entire life, said the event has always been an important community staple.

“The powwow is a deep place in connection,” Davis said. “As I’ve been coming here since I was a fresh newborn and came into this world.”

For Isaacs, the powwow is also a way to connect deeply with Indigenous cultures and traditions.

“I know when I’m away from powwows and stuff, I fall onto this little path of, you know, not following my traditions and all that. And being here reminds me of that,” Isaacs said.

“To me it really means, like, reconnecting with your culture, reconnecting with family and reconnecting with who you are as a person.”

The annual powwow is open to all, with powwow etiquette guidelines on display for newcomers detailing photo policies and how to interact with dancers.

“If this is your first powwow, read up on powwow etiquette and how to be respectful,” Isaacs said. “And just have fun, enjoy yourself, dance, and eat and eat.”

When it comes to food, Davis suggests a walking taco, while Isaacs recommends a Bannock Tail, frybread covered in your topping of choice.

Taking place only days after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the powwow also gave Isaacs and Davis an opportunity to discuss what they would like to see from non-Indigenous people in the community.

“It’s very hard for non-Indigenous people to feel the effects of Truth and Reconciliation Day,” Davis said.

“But show your support, wear an orange shirt, advocate and go to the many events happening in your region,” he said.

Isaacs and Davis began planning this year’s powwow in August.

“It’s been about two months of solid, steady work,” Davis said.

The end result was rewarding for the two youth co-ordinators.

“It’s a great feeling to see all this and, you know, be able to claim the success for it,” Davis said.

Isaacs said seeing the community come together was a highlight.

“It’s really heart filling to, you know, see family, and connect with family, and be in that community setting,” she said.

juliasacco@niagaranow.com