At the recent powwow in Panmure Island, P.E.I., 16-year-old Carly Simon honored her late cousin while performing a jingle dress dance. A graduation photo of her cousin, John Gerard Doucette, who tragically passed away in a car accident at 20, was securely fastened to her belt during the dance.
Carly’s mother, Jenna Doucette, shared that Carly always includes elements to honor John in her performances, using dance as a way to cope with her grief. Jingle dancing is a form of prayer and healing, with each metal cone on Carly’s dress symbolizing a different prayer.
Traveling from Eskasoni First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Jenna and her daughters attended the Panmure Island powwow for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, especially beneficial for Carly, who is neurodivergent. This year marked the 32nd edition of the powwow, with an expected increase in attendance to around a thousand people compared to last year’s 800.
Bradley Cooper, a political adviser with P.E.I.’s native council, emphasized the importance of reclaiming Indigenous cultural celebrations like powwows, noting their historical significance and cultural resilience. Drummer George Snache highlighted the role of drumming in honoring the deceased and passing down Mi’kmaw culture to younger generations, underscoring the powwow’s cultural significance and continuity.