The 2016 Manito Ahbee International Pow Wow made its grand entry into the RBC Convention Centre Saturday afternoon.

Close to 1,000 dancers, performers and artists came together to celebrate the beginning of the second-largest powwow in North America.

Among the performers was traditional men’s dancer Wesley Nelson. He describes his movement as painting a story rooted in indigenous tradition.

"When we dance, we tell stories and either of exploits in war, or hunting,” he said Saturday. "Once you get out there and you start to dance, there is just something inside of you that feels really happy and alive, like you're living in the moment."

Nelson added every dancer has a spiritual connection to their craft. His Ojibway heritage is displayed proudly on his regalia, down to every last bead.

"I’ve got all sorts of things on me. I have a lot of birds of prey, a lot of raptors. I’ve got my bear claw necklace."

Nelson is an experienced powwow dancer and to him, each step represents the spirit of the modern warrior.

"Helping to share the history, and the culture, and the spirituality, and helping to understand people. Some of that history that was never taught or never shared, and get rid of some of those stereotypes and misunderstandings that are still prevalent today."
 

New date and venue this year

The International Pow Wow is the marquee event of the Manito Ahbee Festival, which changed venues and dates this year.

Instead of being near the end of powwow season, the festival celebrating indigenous culture and talent, is now at the beginning of the season.

In past years, the event was held at the MTS Centre, but this year it’s at the RBC Convention Centre

Sitting in the stands surrounding the performance floor are spectators from all over North America alongside powwow first-timers like Aaron and Candice Goodchild.

The couple from Winnipeg brought their two young children to experience the diverse indigenous culture together.

"You feel pride for your city and an appreciation of just a really rich and diverse culture that we can learn a lot from," said Candice.

Miss Manito Ahbee, Alexa Gabbard, has been coming to since she was little, travelling every year from Minnesota.

"You see so many different people, different backgrounds and they are all in one place and it's just really beautiful to see," she said.

The Manito Ahbee Festival continues Sunday. On the schedule are the International Pow Wow, a square dance and jigging competition, the trade show, and an art expo and challenge.
 

Indigenous art collection donated

Saturday’s festivities kicked off with the donation of an indigenous art collection to the RBC Convention Centre.

More than 60 pieces done by 21 different artists were given to the venue during Manito Ahbee by local businesswoman Christiane Laengin.

She has worked with First Nations communities for 30 years in the construction business and during that time developed an appreciation for the culture and art.

She told CTV News the pieces in the collection are priceless to her, because of the people who created them and the stories behind each one.

“I just wanted to also make sure that everybody will be able to one day see and appreciate what the aboriginal people of this country can actually produce,” said Laengin.

One of the artists, Wally Kakepetum, was on hand to see the work unveiled on Saturday.

“It's exciting and I'm fascinated,” he said. “It's wonderful to see my paintings here.”

He hopes the permanent displays will inspire young artists to pick up a brush and express their culture through traditional painting.