Photo by Rauschenberger
Another Ahkoochigehsis festival arrived in the village of Mistissini with the ominous feeling that amidst the celebration of dance and love, a little pain and mourning would be sprinkled in.
The young maidens were excited to be a part of the festival, especially the dance around the village before everyone converged at the square. People would eat and dance to their hearts' content in honour of the spirits.
The glowing colourful northern lights that graced the skies were believed to be the spirits smiling down on the citizens of Mistissini.
After every festival, Mistissini experienced fruitfulness and prosperity which made people eager for the next festival….
But amidst the celebration was always a loss…more like a price to be paid for the gifts of the spirits after the festival.
Natane stretched out her legs in front of her house and watched as people passed by in excitement, heading to the village square.
Aiyana, her only daughter whom she had at an advanced age, came out looking forlorn.
"Aiyana! Wipe that look off your face. It's Ahkoochigehsis, a time to be cheerful and not look miserable," Natane reproached her daughter.
Aiyana clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes. "Nikawiy, there's nothing to be cheerful about. Every year we hope for a bountiful harvest from our farms and markets, yet we are filled with disappointments! Last year was the worst. Really."
Natane stared at her daughter in astonishment. She did not realise the young lady harboured such resentment in her heart towards their way of life. She was going to lecture her on respecting their culture and belief when her friends appeared from the side of the house.
"Good evening, Nikawiy!" The girls chorused and hugged Aiyana.
"Welcome my daughters. Ready to attend the dance?"
"Yes, we are excited. May the spirits favour us this year more than the years before," one of the girls responded with a sweet smile.
Natane almost cried. Her daughter had become cynical and no longer a believer while her friends still had hope. Fear gripped her heart. How did this shift in attitude take place right under her nose and she had no inkling?
"Nikawiy? Are you okay?" Aiyana asked, seeing the sad look on her mother's face.
Natane quickly smiled. "Of course, my daughter. You worry too much. Now, I know you must be on your way to the dance, yes?"
"Yes, we are." The girls chorused.
"Good. Have a great time….uh, Aiyana, a word?"
The ladies left the house, walking slowly so Aiyana could catch up with them.
"Nikawiy, I sense something is wrong. What is it?" Aiyana asked her aged mother.
Natane sighed deeply as tears pooled in her eyes. The spirits have made their choice for the year's festival. It was glaring and there was nothing she could do about it. Could she hope they change their minds?
"Aiyana, you must believe!" Natane pleaded, gripping her daughter's forearms, eliciting a suspicious look from her.
"Nikawiy, I don't like this behaviour of yours. I'm not a child anymore. My thoughts and beliefs are mine to do with as I choose!" Aiyana snatched her hands away and kissed her mother on both cheeks.
Before she could turn away, Natane quickly grasped her cheeks and brought their foreheads together. Aiyana sighed. The two women closed their eyes and held each other for a long moment.
As they parted, Aiyana felt a strange, inexplicable sadness. She looked back one last time before joining her friends only to see that Natane had retreated into the house.
Mistissini was alive with activities that night. The night sky sparkled with a shimmering array of green, yellow, pink and blue shades of colours that seemed to dance in the star-filled sky. It was the 'dance of the spirits' festival.
Just then the noise of an approaching plane filled the air and drew everyone's attention. The citizens of Mistissini looked up and cheered loudly as the plane flew past. The spirits had graced them with a visit. The people ate and danced wildly all night long.
As the northern lights faded from the sky heralding the arrival of dawn, the anguished cry of Natane echoed through the village of Mistissini. The women gathered around her to console her while the able-bodied men spread out into the surrounding forests in search of Aiyana, her only daughter.
No one knew when or how she disappeared.
Aiyana was gone, just like others before her, who stopped believing in the power of the spirits to restore the good fortune of Mistissini.
What I see:
This image depicts a colourful night sky with the northern lights displaying a fascinating mix of green, blue and light yellow hues. There are few stars in the sky and beneath is a landscape of trees looking dark. The glow of the northern lights is mesmerising and tantamount to a dance in the sky.
What I feel:
The fascinating beauty of the Aurora Borealis gives a feeling of awe and wonder. The dance of the lights in the sky elicits peace and calmness.
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