The road from Sheshegwaning seems to be going nowhere. It looks like we left the reserve and are now travelling on a logging road. We almost turn back and suddenly we drive into a clearing and there it is. The world’s largest Pow-wow Drum. As we drive further into the settlement, we see a grass green in the centre and there is the world’s largest Peace Pipe and the world’s largest Outdoor Dream Catcher in Zhiibaahaasing First Nation. This is what we were looking for, the site of the upcoming 17th Annual Zhiibaahaasing First Nation Pow-wow – a celebration of First Nation culture and tradition. We are in the northwest corner of Manitoulin Island following Rita’s Picks. Rita is the owner of Gordon’s Park Eco Resort (see the separate review) where we are staying and Sheshegwaning is on her map outlining the best things to see on the island. These larger than life examples of First Nations culture are worth the drive. The web of the Dream Catcher is bigger than all of us put together and large enough to capture any bad spirits trying to enter into our collective dreams.
As we unload from our vehicles we spread out and start taking pictures. Another car comes by and a young woman gets out and offers to take some pictures with all of us in. She then tries to give us some ideas on where we can find a restaurant open after 7:00 pm on the island. It doesn’t sound like we’ll have much luck (see the review of Mama’s Restaurant). With our pictures securely in our cameras, we pile back into our vehicles and head out in search of food.
To find Zhiibaahaasing First Nation, take the Sheshegwaning turn off Highway 540 and keep going straight through Sheshegwaning. If you think you are going nowhere, keep going, you’ll get there.
