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Master of Ceremonies

Lance Delisle

Greg Meekis

Arena Director

My name is Greg Meekis and I am Oji-Cree

From the isolated Northwestern Ontario community of Sandy Lake First Nation, I relocated to Ottawa in 1995 where I have been serving indigenous communities as an Outreach Worker, Indigenous Courtworker and currently, with the Odawa Native Friendship Center as Indigenous Bail Supervisor.

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Heavily involved with the First Nation culture as a drummer and drum keeper.

First Nation art was something every child grew up with in Sandy Lake. It was the norm.

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Lead Male Dancer

LEAD FEMALE DANCER

Victor Tabobandung

Wynona Maracle

Aanii. My name is Victor Tabobandung.
I am Anishinaabe, Beaver Clan from the Wasauksing First Nation.
I have been dancing as a Fancy Feather Dancer since I was younger. A dream that I had of being a Fancy Dancer set me on my path to create my regalia and begin Fancy Dancing.
I feel that it helps me maintain the connection to my culture.
I have a great career as an AirCanada Boeing 777 Pilot and I continue to dance to inspire indigenous youth to maintain our traditions even while pursuing an education and a career.
I also aspire to show that we do not have to give up one to do the other.
It is how I find balance.
To see more of my work follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francisco_riquelme_

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Special Guest Dancers

Jessica Mckenzie

Reegan Starr Maracle

Recent Miss Indigenous Canada winner Jessica Mckenize  is a proud member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation living in Toronto, ON. She is a sister, auntie, step-mother, entrepreneur, and beadwork artist. With her love for community, she encourages cultural revitalization through traditional beading workshops. Recognized on APTN, Women of Influence, and the Globe and Mail, Jessica champions the importance of Indigenous art to community and culture. Beyond her professional endeavours, she mentors Indigenous youth in career exploration as well as donates to various Indigenous initiatives across Turtle Island.

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Meet Jessica and her fellow Mohawk contestants at the Social August 10, 2024.

Reegan is a proud Kanien'kehá:ka from Kenhte:ke. First-generation to graduate from university, an experienced traveller and an impactful educator to First Nations children; Reegan aims to better the lives of people she meets and knows. From studying Kinesiology to travelling across the world; she has climbed mountains, backpacked alone in foreign countries, and awoken next to oceans. She exemplifies resiliency, compassion, adventure, loyalty, and kindness. Dedicated to personal growth and determined to end her own generational trauma; she persists to be a force of good in the world and is honoured for the opportunity to do so.

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Meet Reegan and her fellow contestants at the Social August 10, 2024.

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Kahentísa’s Alfred

Kahentísa’s Alfred is a Kanien’kehá:ka woman who is a member of the bear clan from Kahnawà:ke. Kahentísa’s is currently a full time student at the Kanien’kéha Ratiwennahní:rats Adult Immersion Program, advocating for the resurgence of the Kanien’kéha language. Kahentísa’s is an avid beader who has partaken in several art shows, exhibitions, markets and creating regalia; specializing in traditional Iroquoian raised beadwork. Kahentísa’s also dances in both jingle dress and smoke dance.

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Meet Kahentísa’s and her fellow contestants at the Social August 10, 2024.

Guest Dancers

Leah & Leo Andrades

Since Leah was a toddler she begged for “bells” to be sewn on to  all of her skirts and dresses. Her Mother (born Mi'kmaq), pictured  her daughter doing fancy dancing but Leah had already been drawn to bells. 

Leah’s  first “jingles”  were sewn to a belt made for her by a close family friend who insisted Leah learn the meaning and traditions behind the ceremony before she would be gifted a dress.

When the pandemic hit, Leah was introduced to a community member who  gave her the knowledge and techniques to dance and later  gifted her with her first Jingle Dress. 


 

Leo also received  his regalia from the same auntie that was held for over a decade until its destination was made clear and given to him.

Leo has been given offerings by Elders who insist he earned them along with his promise tto  never stop dancing and blessing the grounds.

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Host Drum

Spirit Wolf Drummers

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Guest Drum

Little Creek Singers

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Anishnabe Nation Drummers

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