Local family enjoys creating powwow traditions

Even though Rocky Baptiste Jr. is only two-and-a-half years old, Tracie King, a woman originally from Meadow Lake, has had her son involved in powwows for over half his life.

She was inspired to get Rocky Jr. involved in the powwow since her step-daughter, who is now 20, has been a fancy dancer for years. It’s also been a long-standing tradition for her husband Rocky Sr.’s family.

Yesterday was the second time Rocky Jr. participated in the Red Pheasant ‘Tiny Tot’ dance category. Last year, he was crowned as a Little Warrior for 2017 for the First Nation, which meant he represented the community at other powwows, and participated in the Grand Entries along with chiefs, and dignitaries. After passing on the title, a new young dancer will be named today, but Rocky Jr. also danced into the powwow circle with more senior participants in a special dance.

King said it is meaningful for the whole family in a number of ways, but it has also been a fascinating and significant learning process for her as well. She created Rocky Jr.’s dance regalia mostly on her own with guidance from family and friends experienced in the art. The colours in the clothing were carefully chosen, as they represent Rocky’s Indigenous name, Okemow Kihiw which means King/Chief Eagle.

“He was given that name just before he was one year old at a sun dance,” King said. “His colours are white and light blue. On the Baptiste side, they’re really into powwow, and I want him to grow up knowing what his family does. Once he gets older, he can choose different styles and will have role model dancers to look up to.”

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The regalia making process was positive for King, and she actually was able to get in touch with fellow mothers who would like help creating pieces for the Flying Dust First Nation powwow coming up in September near Meadow Lake.

“I’m learning too,” she said. “I like trying to create different looks. I made him a brand new outfit for his initiation special dance, the shirt, pants, and breechcloth. This time I put horses on it.”

King said Rocky Jr. seemed to enjoy his experiences at the powwows, even though he is still a bit shy. She said he started to dance a little bit once he noticed other youngsters were dancing as well, and hopes it continues throughout his life.”

“I hope he keeps the dancing tradition,” she said. “I hope he learns and is proud of who he is as an Aboriginal child. You meet so many people other people out there who dance, so humble and welcome. It’s like a big community.”

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath