Pow Wow

I have an adoptive family; they are important to me. My adoptive family supports me in life. One of the things I do in my life is Pow Wow and my parents have my best interest in mind.

My mom is the one to calm me down when I get too excited, and my dad helps me keep organized. Mom has also helped me put together my regalia, which special to all nations.

My first Pow Wow was during a camping trip with my whole family when I was four.  I was so small that my older sister took my hand and helped me dance.  She was so tired after the dancing that day, that I wanted to do, she slept the whole way home.

I started exploring Pow Wow on my own when I was 19.  I learned a lot from places like the Teaching Lodge, Brandon Friendship and other people I had met through Pow Wow.  The first Pow Wow I did as an adult was at New Era, but I have also danced, in Portage, Winnipeg, Sioux Valley and won awards and sometimes money!  When I win First Place, I get to carry the Canadian flag.

I love doing Pow Wow because I have met so many people of different ages, different families, it’s good exercise and a really healthy activity.

It’s helped me build confidence, because I try new things in Pow Wow, which encourages me try new things in life.

I’m also learning more about the 7 teachings, which is an important part of Pow Wow.

Covid has made it so that I can’t do Pow Wow in person, but I can still dance it in my kitchen and living room.  Now that the weather is nicer, I’ll dance in my yard.  Sometimes I do Pow Wow dance to hip hop music or I add break dance to it.

It’s a great way to enjoy inside and the great outdoors.

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Murray is a gentleman in his thirties, living in his own home with support in Brandon.   He’s active in Special Olympics and is an avid Pow Wow dancer.