Regalia is for appreciation, not appropriation

New Brunswick·Ann’s EyeSome people spend months praying over and preparing regalia for powwows.Sacred clothing is a way of life CBC News · Posted: Sep 21, 2025 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoAt the Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation powwow in September, people spoke with CBC contributor Ann Paul about what it means to respect regalia. (Ann Paul/CBC)This is part of a series called Ann’s Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You can see more Ann’s Eye pieces by clicking here.Most powwows have some ground rules: no alcohol, stand during honour songs, don’t take photographs without permission — and don’t touch regalia. This last rule is a matter of respect. CBC contributor Ann Paul says a lot of energy goes into regalia.Some people spend months preparing it, praying over it, bringing it to ceremony or just spiritually connecting to it. WATCH | Powwow dancers explain how it feels when people touch regalia without permission: Respect our regalia: Why sacred clothing is off-limits at powwows Some people spend months preparing regalia for powwows, praying over it and putting positive energy into it. When people touch regalia without permission, it’s an act of disrespect.”All that energy is in your regalia,” Paul said. “If someone touches you or your regalia, their energy is coming into you, so that’s a huge no.””You’re protecting your energy and you’re protecting yourself, because that regalia is part of you.”At the Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation powwow in September, people spoke to Paul about why respecting regalia is important. Watch the video above to learn more, and scroll through the photos to see more of the powwow. Dancing scenes from the powwow at Bilijk, about 15 kilometres west of Fredericton. (Ann Paul/CBC)The powwow grounds at Bilijk. (Ann Paul/CBC)In 2025, Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation celebrated 11 years of powwows. (Ann Paul/CBC)The winter is a time to take care of regalia in preparation for the summer, when powwow season begins again. (Ann Paul/CBC)Touching regalia without permission can sometimes feel violating, says Melcolm Beaulieu. (Ann Paul/CBC)Ann’s EyePhotographer Ann Paul brings an Indigenous lens to stories from First Nations communities across New Brunswick. Click here or on the image below to see more of her work.