Red Pheasant powwow category includes young dancer in the circle

That support has taken the family across Western Canada and into the United States, including powwows in Alberta, Montana and New Mexico. Constant said in one busy year, before he entered leadership, the family attended about 17 powwows.

At many events, people with disabilities or diverse abilities may be invited into the arena for a special song. Constant said those moments matter, but Red Pheasant went further by creating a full category where dancers could register and compete.

“That’s what’s so touching about it; it includes everyone,” he said. “It’s a spot for people like my son that can come in and dance.”

Constant said the category was supported by Red Pheasant Cree Nation Chief Cody Benson and gives dancers with a wide range of abilities a formal place in the powwow circle.

“It’s not about whether you’re missing limbs or prosthetics, if you have special needs or an ability that’s diverse, you can dance in that category,” Constant said.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner listed Red Pheasant Cree Nation’s competition powwow for July 1 to 3 at the George Benson Memorial Powwow Grounds, with the theme of community safety.

Constant said he hopes other powwow committees will consider similar categories after seeing what happened at Red Pheasant.

“I really hope that other nations pick that up,” he said. “Red Pheasant has done it, and it’s inclusive.”

For Constant, the issue is not only political or cultural. It is personal.

He said his son has physical and cognitive disabilities, along with internal health challenges, but remains determined to take part in the things he loves. At home, he can get in and out of his wheelchair, use small stairs to reach what he needs and make his wishes clear.

At powwows, Constant said, his son is often focused on getting to the arbor, being near the drum and dancing.

“First thing in the morning, he wants to go to the arbor. He wants to be in that circle,” Constant said. “He just loves being around that drum, loves dancing.”

One of the moments that stays with him, Constant said, happens just as a song begins.

“He always looks back to make sure I’m watching,” he said. “He gives me that thumbs up or a smile and then he just starts going. And that’s worth more than a million dollars to me.”

Constant said his son’s resilience has shaped the way he looks at leadership. It has taught him patience, he said, and reinforced the need to think about all community members when programs and services are being developed.

That includes children with autism and others who need extra support, he said. Constant said he is working to rebuild programming in his own nation that better reflects those needs, though he acknowledged it takes time and professional support.

“Inclusion is everybody,” he said. “You can’t just think about one person. You’ve got to think in the big grand scheme of things.”

Constant said his son is also welcomed by singers and drum groups at powwows, including well-known groups who invite him to sit with them.

“At times, it’s overwhelming knowing that he is welcomed so much,” he said.

Inclusion in Constant’s world is not limited to people with disabilities. Last year, a video he shared of Hutterites participating in a drum group went viral.

As more powwow committees look for ways to include dancers of all abilities, Constant said the message is simple.

“Every child matters and every person matters,” he said.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Red Pheasant powwow category includes young dancer in the circle

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