If one were to Google the word "Pow-wow", thousand's of websites would appear; therefore a one sentence definition is offered here - the importance of kinship and family unity within a cultural context through song and dance- in a celebratory manner.

Since cultural practices of song and dance were banned in North America, tribal nations went underground or restored the practice under the auspices of agricultural fairs (http://crowfair.crowtribe.com/ ) or did a quasi mock-up through the entertaining travelling shows such as the infamous Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows. In Canada, the Indian Act was amended to allow cultural and spiritual practices in 1951. It was after this change that Indians returned and rekindled cultural practices. The history and evolution of Pow-wow culture is substantial, diverse and subjective to the points of view of the particular nations and/or practitioners.

Karen was interviewed in August, 2006 about her involvement and role with Pow-wow culture (see http://nativedance.ca/index.php/Interviews/Pheasant ). Being from Wikwemikong (www.wikwemikongheritage.org ) where her community is gearing up for the 50th celebration, she has been fortunate that Pow-wow culture and lifestyle has been an influential part of her life. She has danced all forms of Women's dance, Traditional, Fancy and currently as a Jingle Dress dancer. She writes, advocates and speaks about importance of the essence and foundations of cultural dances. In regards to the current evolution of the Jingle Dress dance, please see http://www.aboriginalcuratorialcollective.org/research/jingle.html , as well, in part of the pow-wow history is the Round dance, a story she wrote based on a Round Dance attended in Alberta; www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1311302&auth=KAREN%20J.%20PHEASANTM "Round Dance Mark the end of the Pow-wow Season".

Over the many years of dancing and recognition as an accomplished dancer, including winner of many titles, including "World Champion" Jingle Dress dancer, Karen has been selected for different roles for different Pow-wow's. From Head Lady dancer (Smithsonian's National Museum of the American 2005 anniversary ceremonies, festival presenter, including contributions to the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian DVD documentary of the evolution of Pow-wow culture) to Head Judge and recently as a writer of Pow-wow topics and protocol.

Annual Community New Years Eve Celebration

Since 2004, Karen has been organizing and coordinating the Wikwemikong community Annual New Year's celebration held at the Wikwemikong Wassa Abin High School for several reasons. The primary reason, was to pay homage to the thoughts of her children to put on a pow-wow for the community, so that there would be something to do as a family, to be together, not only within the immediate family but as well with the community as a whole.

Secondly, was the consideration of the familiar saying of the Old People, the grandparents, including her parents, "what one does on New Years, is how your year will be". The focus of previous generations was to be with family and community in good spirits-with kindness, joy and passion. It is with this philosophy that many individuals, programs, agencies and businesses were sought and invited to contribute to the spirit of kinship, optimism and perseverance.

Lastly, but not final is in recognition and reverence to her mentors who provided the practices, principles and wisdom of conventional cultural practices that have been marginalized by contemporary hybrid cultural routines. Karen draws on her life experiences of cultural etiquette and practices to make possible the New Year's Eve celebration. She also takes this time, as her offering to give back to her community. Each year to watch children, young families and grandparents holding hands and singing in the New Year is a truly heartrending moment.

What started out as a one-time event with a limited amount of contributors, has now expanded to an Annual New Year's gathering with a mounting list of contributors and supporters. On behalf of Karen and her family, she invites you join this joyous New Year's event and recognizes all the sponsors and supporters who make this gratis community event possible. It is these deeds of kindness, generosity and good spirit that contribute to the success of the New Years Celebration.