Halifax International Powwow Returns

The largest international powwow east of Montreal returns to Halifax beginning Friday, July 1.

A free, family event, Mawio'mi 2011 will be held on the Halifax Common, Friday to Sunday. The elements that delighted the 80,000 people who attended last year's nationally recognized Grand Chief Membertou celebrations will be back, including competitive dancers and drummers from across North America, an interactive cultural village, a First Nations vendors' market and the popular Taste of Mi'kmaki.

"The province is proud to support an event that means so much to the Mi'kmaq community here in Nova Scotia," said Premier Darrell Dexter, who is also Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "These events introduce so many people of non-aboriginal descent to Nova Scotia's rich Mi'kmaq culture. Like last year's gathering on the Halifax Common, I know this year's event will entertain and enlighten huge and enthusiastic audiences."

Deborah Ginnish, executive director, Mi'kmaq Association for Cultural Studies, the organizational host of Mawio'mi 2011, said the Mi'kmaq people were overwhelmed by the positive response to last year's powwow on the Common.

"We received so many requests, from so many people to bring it back," said Ms. Ginnish. "We invite people of all ages and all cultures to come and walk among the teepees, hear our stories, learn about our sacred fire, taste our traditional foods and see some of the best drummers and dancers in North America compete for top honours in their class.

"It will be a fun weekend with something for the whole family, and a wonderful opportunity for the Mi'kmaq community to, once again, share its proud culture."

For more information on Mawio'mi 2011 visit www.HalifaxPowWow.com . For more information on the Mi'kmaq Association for Cultural Studies, visit www.mikmaqculture.com.