Police horse attracts attention at the East Toronto National Aboriginal Day Pow Wow 2006 which was be held for the third time at the East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club at 100 Galloway Rd.

A tipi was set up beside a scared fire where a moving morning ceremony was held. The word "powwow," comes from the Algonkian-speaking Narragansett Indians of the Northeastern part of the country we call today the United States. Originally the word referred, not to a dance or celebration, but to a shaman or teacher, a dream or vision, or a council or gathering. When the English met with Indian leaders they would "powwow together," or in Indian society one might visit a "powwow" because of his or her healing powers.

Drummers chant before a huge crowd in a celebration of Mother Earth and her many gifts. All people of Scarborough were invited to attend.

Dancers line up to register for the event

While other powwows are held in the City this event is the only one wholly organized, financed and featuring local Westhillians, largely from the Gabriel Dumont Housing Co-op.

The annual June event featured lively costumes and dancing and drumming along with the opportunity to purchase locally made crafts.

To See What An Ancient Iroquois Village Might Have Looked Like In West Hill Click Here