Smiles and Tears at Return of Powwow

The joy was evident as dancers made their way into the Iskigamizigan Powwow arena on August 20 — a needed return to normalcy after 17 months of pandemic reality.

On Saturday, August 21, the joy was replaced for a time with remembrance and sorrow, as Band members reflected on the loss of Jonathan Holmquist in a fishing accident this spring.

Three men who survived due to actions of community members shared their grief and their gratitude with their heroes and John's family.

Tony Pike, Dan Thomas, and Sean Racelo thanked Curt Kalk, Luther Sam, and Officer Josh Hemsworth for risking their own lives to save others, and they expressed their grief at the loss of their friend. The heroes and family were given Pendleton blankets in recognition of their deeds and their loss.

As John's family members danced into the circle to a song from the Little Otter Singers, they were overwhelmed by a crowd of friends who shared zhawenindiwin — compassion, kindness, and unconditional love.