'The river's calling us home' anticipation builds for first powwow in Saint John

This is part of a series called Ann's Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You cansee more Ann's Eye pieces by clicking here.

The Saint John region will have its first official powwow this fall, and Indigenous people in the area are excited.

The2024 Menahqesk powwow, which will be hosted by Wolastoqey and Mi'kmaw community members, will take place at the TD Station in October and feature food, dancing, drumming, vendors and singing. Organizers estimate the event will attract 10,000 visitors to the area.

WATCH:The Saint John powwow will bring people together 'in the place where it all began':

What the first powwow in Saint John means to Indigenous peoples

8 months ago

Duration 3:01

This fall, the Indigenous community will have its first official powwow in Saint John. Ann Paul visited Fort La Tour, a place rich with history and the presence of the ancestors, to hear why this event is so important.

A group of Indigenous people spoke with CBC contributor Ann Paul about their excitement for the powwow.

Menahqesk is the Wolastoqey name for the area, meaning "where the sea takes the land."

Kateri HibbertofSipekne'katik Mi'kmaq Nation in Nova Scotia said the water in the area is sacred, referencing the Reversing Falls that used to be used for vision quests.

"There's a massive hunger here in Saint John. The river's calling us home," she said.

Scroll through the photos and watch the video to find out more.

Ann's Eye

Photographer Ann Paul brings an Indigenous lens to stories from First Nations communities across New Brunswick.Click hereor on the image below to see more of her work.