Powwow: A Celebration Through Song and Dance

Pheasant-Neganigwane demonstrates the joy of dance through accounts of her personal experiences as an Indigenous woman in Canada, providing historical photographs that bring to life the evolution and history of the powwow. Broaching complex topics about the impacts of colonialism, racism, and residential schools, the story also highlights how dance is an act of resistance—capable of preserving culture and connecting communities. Intermediate-level students may develop a greater understanding of Truth and Reconciliation, learning about intergenerational trauma and the importance of cultural traditions that demonstrate the resilience of Indigenous people in Canada. In the classroom, the resource may complement a unit and exploration of various Indigenous cultures, and students may work with the book independently or in groups for research and inquiry projects.