"SkyDome Pow Wow 'huge success'"

TORONTO - The SkyDome International Pow Wow will become an annual event, says organiser, Rob Robert.

"Over 20,000 people attended; we wanted more, of course. But now that people there know what a pow wow is, we expect bigger things next year," Robert said.

The event reached the break even point. Robert said he and his staff learned a lot.

"For the first time, it was tremendous success."

Some of the 140 vendors felt that the event was not publicized well enough in Toronto. Robert admitted it could have been better.

"Toronto is a huge and expensive market to cover. We didn't have enough time or money to do what we wanted to do. But next year, look out. We'll double it," he said.

However, he added, once the event was under way, the local coverage was fantastic.

Participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they wandered around the home of the two-time World Series champion Blue Jays. Some of the youngsters made sure they brought a ball and glove so they could play catch on a major league field.

Many, if not most, of the dancers had never performed on artificial turf. Some were amused by the irony of such traditional dances on such a modern, artificial surface. Others, didn't like it. They said the astro turf was too springy.

Six Nations was well represented in Toronto on the week end. Many local artists and businesses were represented.

Six Nations first prize winners were Michael Bomberry Jr., Boys Traditional 6-12 years and Tonya Hill, Jr. Women's Traditional.

Other Six Nations high finishers: Veronica Bomberry, 3rd place in Girl's Traditional 6-12 years. Melanie Bomberry, 4th place in Junior Women's Jingle and Christina Bomberry who was 2nd in the Junior Women's Fancy.