My name is Nenookaasi but many of you know me as Neno within the Toronto Community. I have spent the last 6+ years learning about my Anishinaabe heritage and have been blessed with so much knowledge along the way. Through this experience I had come across a new found love for dancing Powwow style. I had officially become a Fancy Shawl Dance in 2014 and I can tell you
, it was the greatest feeling I had ever felt in my whole life. Through my journey of self discovery as a Fancy Shawl dancer not only did I learn the traditions of how and why we dance, I had also learned that what I thought I was going to get out of dance became so much more. I had become a platform/medium for many others to dance as well. Not only was I dancing for those who can not I was an example for the younger ones who watched me steadily. I had come to learn that my responsibility as a Fancy Shawl dance was to help guide the little ones from the moment they are able to enter the area on their own little feet. I would dance in the arena in full spirit and when I took a moment to look around, many little eyes would look upon me with such fascination and eagerness to learn. I had then learned that was why I was to become this dancer,
I remember what it had felt like for me to go through the journey and beginning steps as a dancer to the final stages of putting on a regalia that was designed and created by my very own self. I was given many beautiful teachings by many of the people with in our community. My hope is that I can help many of our Children/Youth discover their inner dancing spirit and feel anything and everything close to what I have had the pleasure of experiencing. Every one of our little ones/youth deserve the opportunity to feel empowered, loved, respected for the things they enjoy doing. Each child/youth will be paired up with a mentor based upon their desired style of dance (being that I am Fancy Shawl, I thought that it would be better suited I stayed with what I know best). Each child/youth with be given teachings on their desired dance and well as being tough the responsibilities of a dancer. Once that portion is completed each child/youth with meet with myself (Neno) and begin the brilliant creative Regalia making process by selecting from materials and fabrics donated by our very own community. (Designs are basic as supplies are limited and bead work is not included)
Once design aspect is finished, Community supporters have volunteered sewing and applique services to complete our children/youths regalia. The entire process will take up to 1 month. If you have children between the ages of 2-24 or know of a family that can benefit from this program please contact me Neno for more details. Mii Gwetch to Creator for this path you have chosen for me, and to the Spirits who guild me along the way. And to ALL the children/youth who have looked up to me for guidance, I thank you for this beautiful teaching you all have given me.
