With great regret, the Council has decided to cancel the 2020 Nawash Pow-wow, as well as the annual Charity Golf Tournament, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The highly anticipated events are joint highlights of the summer, and require months of planning. Provincial leaders, however, are still only tentatively talking about re-opening the economy, and there is no clear direction yet what that re-opening might look like, or what schedule it will follow. Given the amount of uncertainty about the duration and severity of the pandemic, and the lack of detail in the provincial re-opening plan to date, Council determined that the Pow-wow and Golf Tournament could not be held safely and responsibly this year.

Chief Nadjiwon, summing up the discussion of Council, said, “Safety is our number one priority. We have to put these events off until we’re sure we can keep the residents and the visitors safe.”

It was not an easy decision to cancel two of the most high-profile events of the year, both of which are typically profitable and return much-needed funds to the community. The Neyaashiinigmiing pow-wow is well-known for its friendly and intimate atmosphere, and is traditionally hosted in the popular Cape Croker Park. The Park is also currently closed due to the pandemic and looks to remain shuttered throughout the normally busy summer camping season. The annual Charity Golf Tournament has always been well-attended by Neyaashiinigmiing members, government representatives of all levels, business partners and supporters of the community. The funds raised by the Tournament are directed towards community initiatives, most recently the new ice rink being constructed adjacent to the ball field.