CARIBOU, Maine — Under clear skies Saturday, members of the Mi’kmaq Nation hosted their 31st annual Mawiomi of Tribes, a three-day celebration of culture and tradition.
Hundreds turned out for the event at Spruce Haven in Caribou.
“Mawiomi,” which means “gathering,” aims to reflect the beauty, strength, spirit and endurance of the Mi’kmaq culture, according to the Mi’kmaq Nation. The celebration hearkens back to pow-wows when hunters invited people to share in a successful hunt, which grew to include dancing and craftwork. Now, Mawiomi welcomes all people to learn about tradition and join together in peace.
“Respect is the big theme here,” emcee Jimmy Augustine said. “We honor all people of all cultures.”
At noon, Augustine called participants forth for the grand entrance ceremony. People carrying two eagle staffs led the procession into the dancing circle. Flag carriers bore the American, Canadian, POW/MIA, “Every Child Matters” and nation flags. Groups of dancers followed.
Mi’kmaq Tribal Chief Sheila McCormack welcomed the crowd.
The opening included a sacred song and one honoring veterans of all wars. Without their service, no one would be enjoying their freedom in this country, Augustine said, asking the audience to remain standing and salute as dancers led veterans through the circle.
For many years, these Native American celebrations were outlawed, Eagle Lake native Donna Augustine said as she prepared to offer the opening prayer. Now, the nations unite not only to keep tradition alive, but to welcome the wider community and share the culture with future generations.
She explained that the prayer, offered in native language, honored the four directions: east, where the sun rises, since the Wabanaki are the People of the Dawn; south, to commemorate warmth and honor the women; west, for nurturing rain; and north, for strength and protection and to honor the men. The prayer also honored the earth as a life giving source.
Following prayer, the celebration continued with dancing, music and youth activities.
Vendors offering clothing, art and jewelry lined the grounds, along with a wide assortment of food options. Songs and drumming filled the air as dancers of all ages, outfitted in colorful and symbolic regalia, visited the dancing circle.
Jimmy Augustine explained the spiritual significance of the jingle dance, performed by women dancers with jingling metal cones sewn into their dresses. People who have ailing loved ones may make an offering of tobacco and give the name of the person who needs prayer, and the dancers will pray for them as they dance, he said.
Singing and drumming groups included Turning Eagle of Houlton and Huntley Brook of Indian Township, along with Indian Bay and East Bay of Nova Scotia.
