The reserve is located on the Grand River near Brantford, Ontario. The Reserve government consists of a Chief Councillor and twelve Councillors who meet in a modern Council House in the small village of Oshweken.
The Six Nations is the largest First Nations community in Canada. Tourism Six Nations is a marketing organization that ensures quality services through education, marketing, communication and awareness and they do a great job.
The reservation is a quiet, picturesque community that I have visited many times. It is especially beautiful in autumn if you take River Road. The contrast of the Grand River’s fast flowing waters and the red, yellow, brown and green hues of autumn mingled with the dark green of pines are a wondrous site.
There is much to see and do on the Six Nations Reserve. One of my favorite annual events is the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow. Here, you will watch Native dancers perform many of their traditional dances while other Natives play traditional music. The voices of Native singers echo across the tree-shaded grounds of Chiefswood, the birthplace of Native poetess Pauline Johnson. You get a definite feeling of having stepped back in time to another era.
Professional and amateur dancers from all across North America perform the dances. I have talked to many performers and one special person that I met came from North Dakota. He told me of his heritage and spent many hours discussing Native Culture and Tradition with me. I felt most honored.
The Hoop Dance is my favorite. Dancers of all ages participate in different categories and it is a great joy to watch the young children attempt to maneuver the hoops while dancing. Many of them have excellent motor skills and do a splendid job especially when they are performing to a packed house.
Besides the dancing there are many other sights to enjoy at the Pow Wow. Wander through the trees and enjoy the arts and crafts exposition. Intricate beadwork, leatherwork, ceramics, sewing, pottery and Native art is displayed here and most of it is for sale. Local artisans as well as those from across Canada and the United States come here to sell their wares. Some sell out completely. I feel that the Pow Wow gives many people who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance, to learn about Native culture and tradition.
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