Wanuskewin in Saskatchewan hosts Kahomani dance for Valentine’s Day

(Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

It was a day of both love and learning for those who stopped by Wanuskewin on Valentine’s Day.

The centre hosted a Kahomani dance, which is a sweetheart’s dance or couples dance where people dance in pairs.

“We wanted to switch things up, of course, for a little bit for Valentine’s Day, and I thought it’d be a great opportunity for everyone to learn about the Kahomani teachings,” Visitor Services Lead Interpreter Guide Chanelle Gamble said.

Those in attendance first learned about the history of the event, which began as a way to encourage relationships between members of different Indigenous communities. The tradition has continued for many years, and shares similarities with a Bear Dance, which is more common in the United States.

Around 25 people gathered in a circle in the visitor centre to learn more about Kahomani before giving it a try for themselves.

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“That is honestly the goal, to reach out to so many people because it creates an opportunity for us to come together, to even just learn more about all the different cultures and teachings that are represented here at Wanuskewin, and it also helps those who may not know their culture very well,” Gamble said.

Several displays were also showcased to mark the occasion, including ribbon skirts and shirts with red, white, and pink colour schemes. Those who were looking around the centre also found a number of hearts with some Valentine’s-themed words translated into Dene, Plains Cree and Ojibwe.

Gamble shared that while this year marks the first time the event has been hosted at Wanuskewin, she’s hopeful to see it become an annual tradition.

“I hope they feel they had a great time, that they are in a place that is very welcoming and that they are filled with so much knowledge from coming here. There’s so much about Wanuskewin to learn... and something meaningful to take away from this place all the time, every visit,” Gamble said.