In honour of Mother’s Day, two Indigenous women, Marrisa Moccasin-Mitsuing and Gina Daniels, who are powwow dancers, reflect on their roles as mothers and how they are reclaiming their Indigeneity by bringing back a traditional tool that symbolizes motherhood. Moccasin-Mitsuing, a member of the Saulteaux First Nation and proud mother of five, has adopted the use of a cradleboard, a traditional baby carrier used by many Indigenous tribes historically and still to this day. She explains that the cradleboard allows women to have their baby close to them at all times while they work. During the pandemic, Moccasin-Mitsuing delved into her upbringing, particularly as the child of residential school survivors, and was inspired by old photos of Indigenous women using cradleboards in their roles as mothers.
After consulting with women from her community, Moccasin-Mitsuing conducted her first powwow dance at Sweetgrass First Nation carrying her son in a cradleboard. Although she did not intend to be disrespectful, this new dance style faced backlash from some people, leading to mixed feelings within the community. Daniels, also a powwow dancer and mother from Cowessess First Nation, acknowledges the differing perspectives on carrying children during celebrations like powwows, with some territories prohibiting it. Despite this, Daniels admires Moccasin-Mitsuing’s courage and supported her by participating in a ‘Cradleboard Special’ at the Red Deer powwow in October.
Moccasin-Mitsuing plans to continue dancing with her cradleboard to signify her role as a mother and bring back a piece of Indigenous culture from the past. She sees the cradleboard as a tool that represents her journey in motherhood and her desire to be the best relative possible. Through her actions, Moccasin-Mitsuing aims to embody the essence of a powerful nêhiyaw (Cree person) and honor her parents who were impacted by residential schools. While acknowledging the differing opinions within the community, both Moccasin-Mitsuing and Daniels continue to embrace their roles as mothers and dancers, unapologetically reclaiming their Indigeneity.
The use of the cradleboard by Moccasin-Mitsuing and Daniels highlights the importance of reclaiming Indigenous traditions in the face of historical trauma and cultural assimilation. By incorporating this traditional tool into their powwow dances, these women are not only honoring their ancestors but also asserting their identity as Indigenous mothers. Despite facing criticism and differing opinions within their community, they remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving and celebrating their culture. The ‘Cradleboard Special’ at the Red Deer powwow served as a powerful display of solidarity among Indigenous mothers, showcasing their support for Moccasin-Mitsuing and her efforts to reclaim this aspect of their heritage.
As the world continues to reckon with the legacies of colonialism and residential schools, Moccasin-Mitsuing and Daniels serve as examples of resilience and cultural revitalization within Indigenous communities. By engaging with traditional practices such as the use of the cradleboard in their powwow dances, they are not only connecting with their heritage but also challenging stereotypes and reclaiming their identities. Their actions reflect a deep commitment to both honoring the past and building a future rooted in Indigenous traditions and values. In the spirit of Mother’s Day, Moccasin-Mitsuing and Daniels embody the strength and wisdom passed down through generations of Indigenous mothers, standing as beacons of hope and resilience for their communities.
