Johnn Pierro
Sunrise March 01, 1947 - Sunset July 05, 2022
Secwepemc Elder
Community Leader
John Pierro belongs to the Secwepemc people; he was a good-natured fellow who always had something unique to say to each person with a twinkle in his eye. He is an accomplished Husband, rancher, father, and a prominent community member for all the Thompson Nicola Regional District. For many years he has been the go - to person to open ceremonies with a traditional blessing and song from his Indigenous culture. John had much goodwill to offer people when it came to the sharing of his culture. Many people have experienced a lesson in drumming, or rattle making from this very generous man. He is known for his high energy and his ability to get everyone involved in the singing and dancing. John participated in pow wows and his passion for his culture is a testament to the way of the Secwepemc peoples.
Gathering, singing, and dancing is important to the Secwepemc people since the beginning of memories. The hand drummer was generally an elderly man who knew the chant and Secwepemc phrases for each song. There was no loud, long hollering or screaming because each song was like a narrative or a time to give thanks. The singer may give a whoop at the end of songs, as well as have a specific approach for ending each one. People watching might offer praise such as "Aye-Aye," which not only praised the singers and dancers, but also let everyone know you were paying attention.
Some Secwepemctsin dance were only done in the winter, but others could be done at any time of year. The goal of these ceremonies was to help the souls of those who had died return to the ground. Songs from the spirit world would be sung. A variety of regalia and beaded works were worn for certain dances, including cedar bark sashes and headbands with long trailers. Face and body paints were also used. This was produced using clay dug up from specific areas of Secwepemc Territory's soil. Deer skin drums were utilized during performances as well as singers.
Potlatch was a winter dance that was put on by the women's side of the family. It was a time when families would get together to make sure there was enough food to last the winter season. Women would dig up camas bulbs while the men hunted and fished. These were then roasted in a pit oven. Many important lessons and laws were learned at a potlach. The federal government outlawed the potlatch from 1884 to 1951 as part of its campaign for assimilation in an amendment to the Indian Act. The ceremony was considered anti-Christian, irresponsible, and wasteful of personal property by both the state and its supporters. They failed to comprehend the potlatch's ceremonial significance as well as its economic value as a community activity.
Researched and written by Brandy Cooper-Chardon
http://secwepemc.sd73.bc.ca/sec_village/sec_gatherfs.html
https://issuu.com/gaber79/docs/summer_of_2011_/4
ttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/potlatch#:~:text=and%20fishing%20territories.-,History,and%20wasteful%20of%20personal%20property.