“I dance, because it’s a part of who I am. Hiy hiy Neenaskoomoon - Jeff Watchmaker

 Pow-wow dancing in Indigenous communities serves as a powerful tool for combating cultural stigma and preserving cultural identity. For many Indigenous peoples, Pow-wows are more than just social gatherings; they are vibrant expressions of resilience, healing, and resistance against centuries of cultural suppression. Jeff has been dancing for roughly a year. His spirit name is wandering eagle. It doesn’t matter if you are a pro or a beginner. For indigenous peoples, pow-wow dancing is like day and night. There is a spectrum of people who are professionals (day) or beginners (night). They dance all day (sunrise to sunset/day to night). “I dance, because it gives me power” - Gary Abott, professional pow-wow dancer. Gary is a world-renown pow-wow dancer who’s won international dancing competitions. Some dance because it is a shining fury beacon, a creative outlet for cultural expression for Cree people (day). The energy, skill, and emotional depth that he brings to his dance is tremendous, regardless of whether it is performed in the joy of daylight or the sorrow of night.