BSGMCRC

Annual Powwow – July 11-13 2025

Check back for schedule announcement 

Bay St. George Cultural Revival Committee

Mandate

The purpose of the Bay St. George Mi’Kmaq Cultural Revival Committee (BSGMCRC) is to revive, enhance, support, and preserve an awareness of Mi’Kmaq Culture. As well they serve to host, direct, and highlight cultural revival activities for the Mi’Kmaq of the Bay St. George area. 

This mandate is to be done in conjunction with the various sub-committees and the Bay St. George community as a whole.

The mandate includes providing individuals with information on all aspects of Mi’Kmaq traditional teachings and powwows, both in general and specifically for the Bay St. George Mi’Kmaq. The mandate is not to “sell” Mi’Kmaq traditions but to provide the information needed for the Mi’Kmaq people to become more aware of traditional Mi’Kmaq culture and traditions.

Furthermore, the BSGMCRC’s mandate includes facilitating the development of various workshops/sessions outlining traditional Mi’Kmaq practices, language, and history, as well as operating a steering a committee that holds responsibility for the annual Powwow, that takes place in Flay Bay, NL during the second full weekend each July.

In the host community of Flat Bay, the BSGMCRC’s sub-committee, the Powwow Committee, will complete all work related to hosting a two (2) day powwow that allows participants to celebrate our culture and Mi’Kmaq identity across the Bay St. George region.

Background

In 2005 a number of Bay St. George stakeholders attended Miawpukek First Nation’s annual Powwow. At that time there was concern expressed that not all of the area residents of Bay St. George were aware of traditional Mi’kmaq teachings and history. In addition, because there was such a resurgence of Mi’kmaq pride, it was felt that people should be given an opportunity to become aware of Mi’kmaq principles and practices. After consultation with the other stakeholders within the Bay St. George region it was felt that a meeting should take place, whereby we could discuss how to address these concerns.

Twelve individuals attended the initial meeting and a committee known as the Bay St. George Mi’kmaq Cultural Revival Committee was formed. 

Annual Bay St. George Powwow

Annual BSG Powwow

The Annual BSG Powwow has become a major opportunity for celebration of Mi’kmaw culture, over the past 18 years people from all over the province, Canada and the United States has congregated in the humble community of Flat Bay, to embrace their past, present and future.

Our volunteer committee consists of mi’kmaq elders, men, women and youth; with the common goal of bringing awareness, opportunity and education to everyone about the mi’kmaq culture. 

Due the COVID-19 pandemic and other environmental factors, 2023 marked our 15th Annual Powwow in 18 years. The annual BSG powwow is the perfect place to learn and experience new things. It is hosted in the community of Flat Bay and is always held in the second full weekend of July. 

2025 Powwow is scheduled for July 11th–13th. Please check back in May 2025 for the Schedule.

Indigenous Vendors/Artists

We invite artists to come out and showcase themselves during the event, through dance, drumming, or selling their art as a vendor. Dancers and drummers may register the day of powwow.

Artists seeking to sell their work are asked to submit a vendor application, please see the Vendor Application 

Volunteers – How Can You Help?

Every year countless volunteers & supporters pitch in to plan & pull of our Annual Mi’kmaq Powwow. In order to prepare and execute such a large event it takes a lot of work.

If you have an hour or two to spare and you want to help, please call our Powwow Coordinator Cassandra Beanland (709) 647-1370. We need volunteers to help us make this event the best it can be.

Donations are also accepted, the Annual Powwow ends with a give away blanket, which is meant to thank and show gratitude for those who came to share. These items are meant to be cultural, or useful to those on the powwow trail. 

we could use help in areas like:

Aboriginal Veterans Medallion Awards

Aboriginal Veterans Medallion Medal

The Aboriginal (Indigenous) Veterans Medallion Awards is a collective effort between the Flat Bay Band Inc., the BSG Cultural Revival Committee and Retired Lieutenant Commander Todd LaSaga. Presentations are typically held on the Saturday of each annual powwow. 

What is the Aboriginal Veteran Millennium Medal? 

The Aboriginal Veteran Millennium Medal was created in 2000 to commemorate those Aboriginals who risked their lives and sacrificed so much in the fight for freedom and democracy. This was a joint effort of National Aboriginal Veterans Association (NAVA) and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. 

The medals are presented in a respectful manner and have a designated time in the powwow agenda. The medals should be presented by one of the following: 

  • Chief
  • Elder 
  • Head Veteran
  • Local or national politician
  • Officer of the Canadian Forces 
  • Person of significance such as a mayor or police member
  • Retired version of the above. 

NOTE: It is encouraged veterans be referred/sponsored for the medallion by someone other than themselves. 

Eligibility for the Award

The medal is awarded to Bay St. George related/connected Mi’Kmaq veterans of: 

  • The Canadian Armed Forces, 
  • The RCMP, 
  • The Merchant Navy, 
  • Those who joined the US Forces either in peacetime or wartime, 
  • Those who served prior to the year 2000, and
  • Indigenous members who were serving in the year 2000. 

NOTE: The medals are status-blind! You do NOT have to have status to receive the award. Self-identification is sufficient.

How to Apply 

Complete the attached application and email it to todd_lasaga@hotmail.com

DEADLINE is May 31st of every calendar year.
Click below for application

AVMM application 2025

or call 709-647-1370 for a copy.

Powwow Culture

Powwow Etiquette 

  • Powwows are fun events, but they are also sacred events.  
  • Ceremonial songs and dances are sacred and are shared with the people from time to time throughout the powwow.  
  • People should stand during all ceremonial songs and dances.  These include the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Veteran Songs, Honour Songs, and any other songs that the Master of Ceremonies designates as ceremonial songs.  
  • Do not take any photos, videos, or sound recordings of ceremonies without asking permission from the person or group you are recording.  
  • People should listen to the Master of Ceremonies because he/she will announce the different songs and dances and will also let visitors know when they can dance and when they cannot.  He/she will also give out other information and news.
  • Respect the Elders, singers, dancers, drummers, and the powwow staff and committee.
  • The dancers wear regalia while they are dancing, not “costumes”.  People should not touch the regalia or take photos unless they receive permission from the dancer.
  • Appropriate dress and behaviour are required in the dance area.
  • The Sacred Fire is a place to examine your thoughts and to pray.  Do not turn your back to the Sacred Fire.
  • Do not talk loudly around the Sacred Fire or throw anything into the Sacred Fire.
  • Tobacco will be available at the Sacred Fire and people who pray there offer small amounts of tobacco to the Creator.
  • Do not run around the dance area.
  • Horseplay is not tolerated.
  • Always walk in a clockwise direction when you are in the dance area.
  • Do not bring drugs or alcohol to a powwow.
  • Do not come to a powwow if you are intoxicated or high.
  • Dogs are not permitted around the powwow area.  If you are travelling with your pet, please seek out the powwow staff for advice on where dogs can be walked.
  • Bring your own chairs. Do not sit on someone else’s chair unless you ask permission.
  • Remember, you are a guest.  Have fun, ask questions, and meet people.

Why are Mi’Kmaq Cultural Events, Drug and Alcohol Free?

Other than the obvious reasons of wanting to promote a healthy way of life and keep our events safe from abuse, we want to recognize that drugs and alcohol are killing so many First Nations people, and in fact many peoples from all over the world.  They are not a part of our Indigenous culture, and out of respect for our Nation, and of the many people who have suffered, we choose to promote wellness, and protect our people, guests, ceremonies, and gatherings from harm.  This is the example we wish to pass on to our children.

Our purpose in taking part in these ceremonies is to purify the mind, body, and spirit, to pray for the healing of others, Mother Earth, and self, to seek spiritual guidance, and to pay respect to Gisoolg (Creator) for all that has been provided for sustenance.  We ask people to be absent from (non prescription) drugs and alcohol for at least four (4) days prior to taking part in any ceremony.  There are many reasons for this.  Safety of everyone involved is important as well as providing a clean and clear mind and body so that a person is “present” and aware, and ready to commit oneself to the ceremony.  Respect is an important Mi’Kmaq value, and our ceremonies need to be respected from abuse of any kind.

What is a Powwow like?

Click on the title to watch film:

Mi’Kmaq Powwow – Mi’Kmaq: First Nation People

First Annual Bay St. George Powwow – Flat Bay 

Annual Bay St. George Powwow – Flat Bay (2018)  

Spruce Root Baskets – with Danny White (2019) 

A Powwow and its People – CBC NL – The almost 20-year event sees a celebration of cultures, dancing, drumming, and more. 

Following the Powwow Trail Film Series

Living by the Drum Part 1 

Living by the Drum Part 2 

Living by the Drum Part 3 

Guests from all over the world film the Bay St. George powwow and post them online or send them to us:
 

How to Submit Your Video

If you would like to submit some of your experiences at our annual powwows, please Email Cassandra Beanland at cassandra.beanland93@gmail.com

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