Concordia cancels annual powwow

“Last year was fantastic, and we had already talked about wanting to get a head start for this year,” Delisle recalled. “So, when I heard in May that it wasn’t going ahead, it was hard. I had to call back people I’d already made commitments to. The powwow gives students the chance to participate in something that spotlights positivity, community, and spirituality. When you don’t get that opportunity, you lose that connection, that community spirit.”

Delisle also highlighted the financial realities of organizing a powwow. “You can start with a budget of $30,000 and still find it’s not enough. Performers, dancers, sound, water, toilets, coordinators, services, vendors, it all adds up. In smaller communities, powwows are supported by donations and local governments. At a school like Concordia with financial challenges, it becomes much harder.”

A local vendor at the past Concordia powwows, Leah Louttit-Bunker, owner of Cree Stones Jewlery for the past five years, said she relies heavily on the powwow for both social and business connections.

“I received an email from last year’s coordinators informing me of the cancellation,” Louttit-Bunker said. “I was very disappointed, but I understand why it’s cancelled. Universities and other organizations in Montreal have been financially cutting Indigenous-related programs and events, which is upsetting, especially as we’re trying to increase Indigenous representation in urban centres.”

Louttit-Bunker explained that this is her final year living in Montreal before moving east, making the cancellation personally significant.

“It’s sad that I won’t have one last chance to celebrate and enjoy the powwow. It’s a highlight of my year because I get to connect with other Indigenous students and artists, and through this, grow my business. The powwow is also where I am most financially successful. Every opportunity to network, meet other artisans, and showcase my craft is lost when the powwow is cancelled,” Louttit-Bunker said.