Pabineau artist rediscovering traditions of the powwow

A Pabineau First Nation artist is making up for lost time in celebrating the community's annual powwow this weekend.

Tristan Grant, an ECMA nominated hip-hop artist, remembers going to the powwow when he was six years old, but mostly stayed away after that because of racist comments he heard about the celebrations.

"Growing up whenever it did come around there would be a lot of ignorance," said Grant.

"I'm just a kid trying to fit in so like I don't want to be part of that."

It wasn't until he got into music and associating with other Indigenous artists that Grant decided to take a second look at the tradition.

"They were so nice and accepting of me that it kind of made me go 'Jeez, there are the people I need,'" said Grant.

20 watermelons

ThePabineauFirst Nation Powwow takes place Saturday and Sunday in the community south ofBathurst.

Grant said last year's powwow was the first one he fully participated in.

He helped with the planning and execution of the event.

One area in which he was instrumental was the purchasing of food for the celebrations for the event.

"I spent all day running around, I had a big grocery list and I was just buying crazy amounts of food."

Grant admitted that while preparing for the powwow he was on the receiving end of a couple of puzzled looks.

"We bought, like, 20 watermelons," he said.

"It's kind of like a weird visual to see me in Walmart with 20 watermelons. Getting lots of comments from people like 'You guys opening a breakfast bar or something?'"

Increased responsibility

Now that Grant has mastered kitchen duty, he's ready to progress to one of the most important spiritual aspects of the powwow:starting the sacred fire.

The fire will burn for the entire length of the powwow and is attended by a fire keeper at all times.

"It's going to be an interesting experience," said Grant.

While Grant is excited, he admits he isn't quite sure what to expect.

"I have no idea. I'm going to learn it though."