Latest news with #ManitoAhbeeFestival
CBC
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Manito Ahbee celebrates 20 years of showcasing Indigenous culture at one of North America's biggest powwows
For many familiar with Canada's powwow scene, Maggie White is known as the first lady of the jingle dress. The late Anishinaabe woman earned the title after popularizing the jingle dress regalia and dance style at powwows in the late 1960s to the early 1980s. In the years since, the dance, known as a healing dance, has become an official category at powwows. White's family is honouring the matriarch and the jingle dress at this year's 20th anniversary of the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg, one of the largest powwows in North America. Jocelyn White says it's hard to put into words what it means to pay tribute to the legacy of her grandmother. "I [am] excited. I [am] happy that we're able to do this at such a big venue to honour our kokum," she said from her home on the Naotkamegwanning First Nation in northwestern Ontario. At the powwow festival, the family is set to host a jingle dress special called "Honouring the Shiibaashka'igan," which translates to jingle dress in Anishinaabemowin. A special is a separate contest during a powwow usually sponsored by an individual, family member or organization. There are different oral histories of the origins of the jingle dress dating back to the early 20th century. Maggie White's story stems from when she became ill as a young girl. Her grandfather dreamed of a special dress for her adorned with shiny metal cones. When she wore it and danced, it helped cure her ailments. Attending Manito Ahbee has been a longtime White family tradition, and Jocelyn White has been going since it started in downtown Winnipeg. She has watched her nieces dance and listened as men in her family performed with the Whitefish Bay Singers, a drum group founded by her father and an uncle. "I was always so proud.… When you hear the music, it gives you a good feeling," she said. 'A really proud moment' It's this pride of culture, family and traditions that prompted organizers to start Manito Ahbee two decades ago. A group of Indigenous people in Winnipeg, including the festival's current executive director, Lisa Meeches, came together to develop the festival after discussing the need for an event to showcase First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures that could also be an inclusive place for all. Derek Hart has been involved with the three-day festival since day one, as the owner of a company that oversees security. He has also taken on roles with the event's education and logistics teams. "I remember that first year. It was a bit of a concern because nobody had bought tickets ahead of time. But once the festival got going and the powwow ... it was a good turnout," Hart said. "It was just a really proud moment to see the festival start." Manito Ahbee has also evolved. It used to line up with the Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards, now known as the Indigenous Music Awards, before it moved to the summer. It now takes place on the May long weekend. There have also been different venues and, in recent years, it has settled at Red River Exhibition Park at the edge of the city. Programming changed as feedback came in from attendees. This year's event includes a teepee-raising contest, a fashion show and speeches from youth leaders. There's also a marketplace with food and retail vendors. One of the festival's mainstays has been the crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee. The title was created to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and is awarded to a girl each year. Grace Redhead, who has been with the festival for the past 12 years, got her start with the Miss Manito Ahbee ambassador program. "The crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee is really emotional to see," said Redhead. Contestants go through a rigorous adjudication process, demonstrating leadership skills and knowledge about the missing and murdered. Former ambassadors have gone on to become authors, educators and musicians. Redhead's current role as powwow manager has her organizing the festival's main attraction — the powwow, which draws hundreds of dancers each year. There's typically "chaos," she said, while making sure everyone is in their positions for the kickoff, also known as the grand entry. "It's a really nice moment once everything's going and you see all the hard work come together," said Redhead. Running a festival of this size is no easy feat. It requires the help of managers and volunteers, many of them newcomers looking to learn more about the First Peoples of this land. The festival has made it a priority to work with immigrant and newcomer organizations. On Sunday, it's holding a citizenship ceremony for the first time. "There's so many people that come, and it's not just Indigenous people. It's people of different nationalities just coming to participate," said Hart. As the festival heads into its next 20 years, Hart and Redhead say they're most excited to pass on the torch to the next generation of organizers.
Toronto Star
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Manito Ahbee: Manitoba powwow, one of North America's largest, celebrates 20 years
WINNIPEG - For many familiar with Canada's powwow scene, Maggie White is known as the first lady of the jingle dress. The late Anishinaabe woman earned the title after popularizing the jingle dress regalia and dance style at powwows in the late 1960s to the early 1980s. In the years since, the dance, known as a healing dance, has become an official category at powwows. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW White's family is honouring the matriarch and the jingle dress at this year's 20th anniversary of the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg, one of the largest powwows in North America. Jocelyn White says it's hard to put into words what it means to pay tribute to the legacy of her grandmother. 'I (am) excited. I (am) happy that we're able to do this at such a big venue to honour our kokum,' she said from her home on the Naotkamegwanning First Nation in northwestern Ontario. At the powwow festival, the family is set to host a jingle dress special called 'Honouring the Shiibaashka'igan,' which translates to jingle dress in Anishinaabemowin. A special is a separate contest during a powwow usually sponsored by an individual, family member or organization. There are different oral histories of the origins of the jingle dress dating back to the early 20th century. Maggie White's story stems from when she became ill as a young girl. Her grandfather dreamed of a special dress for her adorned with shiny metal cones. When she wore it and danced, it helped cure her ailments. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Attending Manito Ahbee has been a longtime White family tradition, and Jocelyn White has been going since it started in downtown Winnipeg. She has watched her nieces dance and listened as men in her family performed with the Whitefish Bay Singers, a drum group founded by her father and an uncle. 'I was always so proud ... when you hear the music, it gives you a good feeling,' she said. It's this pride of culture, family and traditions that prompted organizers to start Manito Ahbee two decades ago. A group of Indigenous people in Winnipeg, including the festival's current executive director, Lisa Meeches, came together to develop the festival after discussing the need for an event to showcase First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures that could also be an inclusive place for all. Derek Hart has been involved with the three-day festival since day one, as the owner of a company that oversees security. He has also taken on roles with the event's education and logistics teams. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'I remember that first year. It was a bit of a concern because nobody had bought tickets ahead of time. But once the festival got going and the powwow ... it was a good turnout,' Hart said. 'It was just a really proud moment to see the festival start.' Manito Ahbee has also evolved. It used to line up with the Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards, now known as the Indigenous Music Awards, before it moved to the summer. It now takes place on the May long weekend. There have also been different venues and, in recent years, it has settled at Red River Exhibition Park at the edge of the city. Programming changed as feedback came in from attendees. This year's event includes a teepee-raising contest, a fashion show and speeches from youth leaders. There's also a marketplace with food and retail vendors. One of the festival's mainstays has been the crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee. The title was created to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and is awarded to a girl each year. Grace Redhead, who has been with the festival for the past 12 years, got her start with the Miss Manito Ahbee ambassador program. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'The crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee is really emotional to see,' said Redhead. Contestants go through a rigorous adjudication process, demonstrating leadership skills and knowledge about the missing and murdered. Former ambassadors have gone on to become authors, educators and musicians. Redhead's current role as powwow manager has her organizing the festival's main attraction — the powwow, which draws hundreds of dancers each year. There's typically 'chaos,' she said, while making sure everyone is in their positions for the kickoff, also known as the grand entry. 'It's a really nice moment once everything's going and you see all the hard work come together,' said Redhead. Running a festival of this size is no easy feat. It requires the help of managers and volunteers, many of them newcomers looking to learn more about the First Peoples of this land. The festival has made it a priority to work with immigrant and newcomer organizations. On Sunday, it's holding a citizenship ceremony for the first time. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'There's so many people that come, and it's not just Indigenous people. It's people of different nationalities just coming to participate,' said Hart. As the festival heads into its next 20 years, Hart and Redhead say they're most excited to pass on the torch to the next generation of organizers. 'I have no worries about the next 20 years,' said Redhead. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Manito Ahbee: Manitoba powwow, one of North America's largest, celebrates 20 years
WINNIPEG - For many familiar with Canada's powwow scene, Maggie White is known as the first lady of the jingle dress. The late Anishinaabe woman earned the title after popularizing the jingle dress regalia and dance style at powwows in the late 1960s to the early 1980s. In the years since, the dance, known as a healing dance, has become an official category at powwows. White's family is honouring the matriarch and the jingle dress at this year's 20th anniversary of the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg, one of the largest powwows in North America. Jocelyn White says it's hard to put into words what it means to pay tribute to the legacy of her grandmother. 'I (am) excited. I (am) happy that we're able to do this at such a big venue to honour our kokum,' she said from her home on the Naotkamegwanning First Nation in northwestern Ontario. At the powwow festival, the family is set to host a jingle dress special called 'Honouring the Shiibaashka'igan,' which translates to jingle dress in Anishinaabemowin. A special is a separate contest during a powwow usually sponsored by an individual, family member or organization. There are different oral histories of the origins of the jingle dress dating back to the early 20th century. Maggie White's story stems from when she became ill as a young girl. Her grandfather dreamed of a special dress for her adorned with shiny metal cones. When she wore it and danced, it helped cure her ailments. Attending Manito Ahbee has been a longtime White family tradition, and Jocelyn White has been going since it started in downtown Winnipeg. She has watched her nieces dance and listened as men in her family performed with the Whitefish Bay Singers, a drum group founded by her father and an uncle. 'I was always so proud ... when you hear the music, it gives you a good feeling,' she said. It's this pride of culture, family and traditions that prompted organizers to start Manito Ahbee two decades ago. A group of Indigenous people in Winnipeg, including the festival's current executive director, Lisa Meeches, came together to develop the festival after discussing the need for an event to showcase First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures that could also be an inclusive place for all. Derek Hart has been involved with the three-day festival since day one, as the owner of a company that oversees security. He has also taken on roles with the event's education and logistics teams. 'I remember that first year. It was a bit of a concern because nobody had bought tickets ahead of time. But once the festival got going and the powwow ... it was a good turnout,' Hart said. 'It was just a really proud moment to see the festival start.' Manito Ahbee has also evolved. It used to line up with the Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards, now known as the Indigenous Music Awards, before it moved to the summer. It now takes place on the May long weekend. There have also been different venues and, in recent years, it has settled at Red River Exhibition Park at the edge of the city. Programming changed as feedback came in from attendees. This year's event includes a teepee-raising contest, a fashion show and speeches from youth leaders. There's also a marketplace with food and retail vendors. One of the festival's mainstays has been the crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee. The title was created to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and is awarded to a girl each year. Grace Redhead, who has been with the festival for the past 12 years, got her start with the Miss Manito Ahbee ambassador program. 'The crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee is really emotional to see,' said Redhead. Contestants go through a rigorous adjudication process, demonstrating leadership skills and knowledge about the missing and murdered. Former ambassadors have gone on to become authors, educators and musicians. Redhead's current role as powwow manager has her organizing the festival's main attraction — the powwow, which draws hundreds of dancers each year. There's typically 'chaos,' she said, while making sure everyone is in their positions for the kickoff, also known as the grand entry. 'It's a really nice moment once everything's going and you see all the hard work come together,' said Redhead. Running a festival of this size is no easy feat. It requires the help of managers and volunteers, many of them newcomers looking to learn more about the First Peoples of this land. The festival has made it a priority to work with immigrant and newcomer organizations. On Sunday, it's holding a citizenship ceremony for the first time. 'There's so many people that come, and it's not just Indigenous people. It's people of different nationalities just coming to participate,' said Hart. As the festival heads into its next 20 years, Hart and Redhead say they're most excited to pass on the torch to the next generation of organizers. 'I have no worries about the next 20 years,' said Redhead. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Manito Ahbee: Manitoba powwow, one of North America's largest, celebrates 20 years
WINNIPEG – For many familiar with Canada's powwow scene, Maggie White is known as the first lady of the jingle dress. The late Anishinaabe woman earned the title after popularizing the jingle dress regalia and dance style at powwows in the late 1960s to the early 1980s. In the years since, the dance, known as a healing dance, has become an official category at powwows. White's family is honouring the matriarch and the jingle dress at this year's 20th anniversary of the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg, one of the largest powwows in North America. Jocelyn White says it's hard to put into words what it means to pay tribute to the legacy of her grandmother. 'I (am) excited. I (am) happy that we're able to do this at such a big venue to honour our kokum,' she said from her home on the Naotkamegwanning First Nation in northwestern Ontario. At the powwow festival, the family is set to host a jingle dress special called 'Honouring the Shiibaashka'igan,' which translates to jingle dress in Anishinaabemowin. A special is a separate contest during a powwow usually sponsored by an individual, family member or organization. There are different oral histories of the origins of the jingle dress dating back to the early 20th century. Maggie White's story stems from when she became ill as a young girl. Her grandfather dreamed of a special dress for her adorned with shiny metal cones. When she wore it and danced, it helped cure her ailments. Attending Manito Ahbee has been a longtime White family tradition, and Jocelyn White has been going since it started in downtown Winnipeg. She has watched her nieces dance and listened as men in her family performed with the Whitefish Bay Singers, a drum group founded by her father and an uncle. 'I was always so proud … when you hear the music, it gives you a good feeling,' she said. It's this pride of culture, family and traditions that prompted organizers to start Manito Ahbee two decades ago. A group of Indigenous people in Winnipeg, including the festival's current executive director, Lisa Meeches, came together to develop the festival after discussing the need for an event to showcase First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures that could also be an inclusive place for all. Derek Hart has been involved with the three-day festival since day one, as the owner of a company that oversees security. He has also taken on roles with the event's education and logistics teams. 'I remember that first year. It was a bit of a concern because nobody had bought tickets ahead of time. But once the festival got going and the powwow … it was a good turnout,' Hart said. 'It was just a really proud moment to see the festival start.' Manito Ahbee has also evolved. It used to line up with the Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards, now known as the Indigenous Music Awards, before it moved to the summer. It now takes place on the May long weekend. There have also been different venues and, in recent years, it has settled at Red River Exhibition Park at the edge of the city. Programming changed as feedback came in from attendees. This year's event includes a teepee-raising contest, a fashion show and speeches from youth leaders. There's also a marketplace with food and retail vendors. One of the festival's mainstays has been the crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee. The title was created to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and is awarded to a girl each year. Grace Redhead, who has been with the festival for the past 12 years, got her start with the Miss Manito Ahbee ambassador program. 'The crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee is really emotional to see,' said Redhead. Contestants go through a rigorous adjudication process, demonstrating leadership skills and knowledge about the missing and murdered. Former ambassadors have gone on to become authors, educators and musicians. Redhead's current role as powwow manager has her organizing the festival's main attraction — the powwow, which draws hundreds of dancers each year. There's typically 'chaos,' she said, while making sure everyone is in their positions for the kickoff, also known as the grand entry. 'It's a really nice moment once everything's going and you see all the hard work come together,' said Redhead. Running a festival of this size is no easy feat. It requires the help of managers and volunteers, many of them newcomers looking to learn more about the First Peoples of this land. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The festival has made it a priority to work with immigrant and newcomer organizations. On Sunday, it's holding a citizenship ceremony for the first time. 'There's so many people that come, and it's not just Indigenous people. It's people of different nationalities just coming to participate,' said Hart. As the festival heads into its next 20 years, Hart and Redhead say they're most excited to pass on the torch to the next generation of organizers. 'I have no worries about the next 20 years,' said Redhead. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2025.
CTV News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Events taking place in Manitoba this weekend
Justin Wright-Foreman (13) is seen dribbling the basketball against the Edmonton Stingers on June 16, 2024. (Winnipeg Sea Bears) With the May long weekend ahead, here are some events taking place in Manitoba from May 16 to 19, 2024. Manito Ahbee Festival May 16-18 Red River Exhibition Park An annual celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and music, including an International Pow Wow, Indigenous Music Awards, a fashion show and more. Tickets required. Keycon 41 May 16–18 Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Manitoba's premier convention focusing on science fiction, fantasy and literary genres. Tickets required. Boishakhi Mela 1432 May 17, 4-9 p.m. University of Manitoba -- UMSU University Centre Welcome the arrival of Bengali New Year with food, traditional culture and more. Tickets required. Holi Summer Fest May 18, 4-9 p.m. Assiniboia Downs Enjoy some beats and eats at Manitoba's biggest colour festival. Tickets required. Tyndall Community Market May 17-18, 2-9 pm Tyndall Park Community Centre The annual community markets kicks off with food trucks, local vendors, music, games and more. Spring Market May 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Winnipeg Beach Market season kicks off in Winnipeg Beach for another year. Foodtrip Market SpringFest May 17-18 IKEA parking lot A day of delicious food, local treasures, live entertainment, a pet fashion show and fun for the whole family. Family Fun Spring Fair May 16-25 Assiniboia Downs Parking Lot Wonder Shows brings back its thrilling rides, fun games and delicious carnival treats to the Downs. Tickets required. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride May 18, 9 am Get your dapper attire and engines ready for the most stylish motorcycling charity event. The ride raises money in support of men's mental health and prostate cancer research. All riders must be registered. Attack of the Bloodsuckers! Exhibition May 17-September 1 Manitoba Children's Museum Learn how mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches, and other parasites are important to the ecosystem. The grand opening on May 17 includes live leech feeding and a mosquito craft. Royal Winnipeg Ballet School's On the Edge Tour May 16, 6:30 p.m. Tanner's Crossing Elementary School, Minnedosa Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Brandon May 17, 7:30 p.m. The RWB School takes the show on the road with an intimate performance celebrating the ballet's 85-year legacy. Pieces include excerpts from 'Coppélia', a new flamenco creation and a work commissioned through Pathways to Performance. Tickets required. Alessia Cara May 19, 8 p.m. Burton Cummings Theatre Award-winning singer Alessia Cara presents her 'Love & Hyperbole' World Tour. Tickets required. Andrés Cepeda May 18, 8 p.m. Burton Cummings Theatre Enjoy a night of music with once of Colombia's most beloved artists. Tickets required. Josh Johnson 'The Flowers' Tour May 17, 3:30, 7 & 9:30 p.m. West End Cultural Centre Stand-up comedian Josh Johnson plays three shows at the WECC. Comedy Central's 'most watched comedian ever' is also a correspondent on 'The Daily Show' and has written for 'The Tonight Show.' Tickets Required. An Evening with Andrea Macasaet May 18, 8 p.m. West End Cultural Centre The original Anne Boleyn in the Broadway hit 'Six', Macasaet will take you on a journey of music, stories and local special guests. Tickets Required. Jane Bunnett & Maqueque May 17, 8 p.m. May 18, 2 p.m. Berney Theatre, Rady JCC Jane Bunnett and her all-woman band showcase the life and energy of Afro-Cuban jazz. Tickets required. Babbu Maan May 16, 8:30 p.m. Burton Cummings Theatre Indian singer-songwriter Babbu Maan shares music from his more than 20-year long catalogue. Tickets required. Brian Kiley May 16 &17 Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club Kiley was a writer for Conan O'Brien and Ellen DeGeneres' talk shows, winning a pair of Emmy awards. The stand-up comedian has his own Comedy Central special and has appeared on several late-night talk shows. Tickets required. Kyle Lucey May 16-17, 8 p.m. Yuk Yuk's Winnipeg Lucey is an internationally renowned comedian who has also starred in a number of television shows such as 'Fear Thy Neighbor, 'Blood and Fury' and 'Losing It.' Tickets required. Winnipeg Sea Bears May 16, 7:30 p.m. Canada Life Centre The Winnipeg Sea Bears kick off the season at home against the Edmonton Stingers. The team will honour Chad Posthumus before the game. Tickets required.
