A Powwow is a melding of music, song and dance at the very heart of Canadian Indigenous culture all the more significant as such expressions of indigenous culture were at one point illegal in Canada seen as heathen, immoral and Unchristian by the Canadian colonizers also responsible for the Residential School all part of an attempt at Indigenous cultural obliteration.
“Under the Arbor”, shot in Alberta, Canada, offers the viewer a visual and oral explanation of what a Powwow is and its importance to Indigenous culture. It is a testament to Indigenous resilience and resistance. It offers a connection bridge amongst different Indigenous communities and is a grass roots expression of Indigenous culture.
Summer is Powwow season. Singers, dancers and musicians compete for cash prizes but after watching this documentary the conclusion will be there is far more than cash driving the Powwow circuit.
You will hear from dancers, musicians and singers what the Powwow means to them personally and culturally. For the dancers “regalia” worn is elaborate a reflection of pride and offers Powwow spectators brilliant flashes of colour. Part of the entertainment is the role of the emcee, not quite as wild as Portuguese play by play soccer announcer but equally entertaining and at points insightful.
“Under the Arbor” is written, directed and produced by Hayley Morin. It will be premiering Canada-wide on CBC Gem 15August2025 (in Cree and in English) and will be on CBC television on 16August2025 at 20:00 hrs and in the North on Absolutely Canadian.
The Powwow is the “end product”. Why not a Part 2 about the organization, management and funding of a Powwow? Is it a business? A Non-profit? How is revenue generated to pay out prizes?
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