Waawiiyaa Niimiwin / Round Dance
A round dance is a traditional ceremony in Indigenous culture
Open to all and typically held in the winter months, round dances are a time for the community to unite to heal, honour, feast and celebrate.
The round dance has a specific format and roles:
- The master of ceremonies ensures the event runs smoothly.
- The stickman works closely with the master of ceremonies and organizers, and guides the flow of the evening through the songs and dances.
- Drummers usually consist of men with hand drums who sing traditional songs in the centre.
- Dancers join hands in a circle around the drummers.
On November 7, join the round dance to honour our veterans
Past events
Three days following the arrival of spring on March 23, TMU and community partners welcomed over 250 community members to the Spring Equinox Round Dance at the Mattamy Athletic Centre varsity court. A round dance is a special traditional ceremonial event in Indigenous culture and is open to all.
The round dance was a collaboration between TMU and community partners, Aboriginal Legal Services, the Yellowhead Institute, Native Women in the Arts and Canadian Heritage (Government of Canada).
The round dance was a collaboration between TMU and community partners, Aboriginal Legal Services, the Yellowhead Institute, Native Women in the Arts and Canadian Heritage of the Government of Canada. Photo by Photobykoe (Kristine Buban)
Before the event began, the space was cleansed with a smudging of sage (left). Volunteers helped to prepare semaa (traditional tobacco) ties wrapped with red cloth (right). Tobacco is one of the four sacred medicines offered to those who are invited to have a role in the event. Photo by Photobykoe (Kristine Buban)
Master of ceremonies, Gary Parker, from Seneca Nation, welcomed all the guests and community members to the event. Photo by Photobykoe (Kristine Buban)
TMU’s Tanya De Mello, vice-president, equity and community inclusion (left), Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, interim provost and vice-president, academic (centre) and Monica McKay, director of Aboriginal Initiatives (right), provided opening remarks and discussed the importance of Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members coming together in the spirit of learning and respect. Photo by Photobykoe (Kristine Buban)
Harvey Dreaver from Big River First Nation, Saskatchewan, is a well-known pow wow and round dance singer across Turtle Island. He offered teachings on the round dance and played the stickman role. The stickman works closely with the master of ceremonies and organizers and guides the flow of the evening through the songs and dances.
Guests and attendees enjoyed a traditional feast catered by TMU Eats. Later in the evening, Candace’s Catering (external link) offered a wellness break for scone dogs, strawberry drink, cedar tea, and wild rice with berries.
The round dance began with singing of ceremonial songs by invited performers. . Attendees joined hands around the singer’s table in the centre of the room, while they sang with hand drums, and the circle danced around them.
22 singers from across Turtle Island participated in the round dance. They filled the evening with a collection of traditional, contemporary and ceremonial songs, some of which are hundreds and thousands of years old.
The round dance ends with a giveaway to honour the dance's intent and offer thanks to those in attendance. Giveaway items, all from Indigenous vendors, were placed on a blanket, smudged and prayed for. They were then handed out by the volunteers, organizers and community partners to the Elders, the stickman, the master of ceremonies, the singers and others in attendance. A giveaway song was sung, and those who received a gift danced with it to acknowledge and give thanks.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please email Crystal Osawamick, manager of Indigenous events and special projects, at crystal.osawamick@torontomu.ca.