Manitoba’s premier is calling on Ottawa to clear up mixed messages about Indigenous ceremonies after a First Nation chief said his community would be holding its annual powwow next month even if provincial public-health orders continue to limit the size of gatherings.
“Now is not the time to begin to disrespect public health orders that have kept Manitobans safe — all Manitobans,” Brian Pallister.
Pallister said he would be bringing up the issue on a call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later Thursday.
“We are not people who believe in two-tiered health,” the premier added.
Thousands of people usually travel across the country to dance and reconnect during the powwow season. This year, most traditional gatherings have been cancelled or delayed over concerns about the novel coronavirus or due to restrictions on how many people can gather.
But Lake Manitoba First Nation Chief Cornell McLean says leadership has made the decision to go ahead with a powwow next month after careful consideration.
He says it will bring healing to the community, which has been struggling after months of restrictions due to COVID-19.
“We will make sure that social distancing is being followed,” said the chief, who added that anyone not feeling well should not attend the event June 19 to 21.
“We won’t have people standing arm in arm, that’s for sure, but we will find a way to make it work for our community.”
Ottawa says it’s ultimately up to First Nations leaders to decide if cultural practices will be held.
Manitoba Health says Indigenous ceremonies need to happen within public health recommendations, which currently limit outdoor public gatherings to 50 people.
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