‘Really healing’: Powwow regalia lending library supports dancers in Anishinaabe Aki

‘Really healing’: Powwow regalia lending library supports dancers in Anishinaabe Aki Inspired by a similar initiative, Tisha Duncan started the Wabinoong Regalia Collective with a focus on supporting Youth in northern Ontario BY CRYSTAL GREENE, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ● FEATURES ● AUGUST 28, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Share on WhatsApp Email this Page Tisha Duncan with the Wabinoong Regalia Collective booth set-up behind her. Photo by Tisha Duncan Tisha Duncan was 19 years old when she had the idea to start a lending library of powwow regalia in Anishinaabe Aki. She wanted to give free access to regalia for those who wanted to dance at powwows but might be facing barriers — such as young people dancing for the first time, and older people returning to the circle. So the Wabinoong Regalia Collective began with the goal in mind to reduce financial and social barriers to participation and cultural healing for Indigenous people across northern Ontario. “So, I had just gotten my driver’s license, I just got in my car, I made it work,” said Duncan, who is now 21. The member of Bearskin Lake First Nation, an Anishininiw (Oji-Cree) community, was born in Sioux Lookout and grew up in Thunder Bay. She said her vision for Wabinoong Regalia Collective was inspired by the work of the Siletz Regalia Closet, a lending library for Indigenous powwow regalia operating out of “Salem, Oregon.” Duncan said she had Indigenous Youth in particular in mind — as they are the fastest growing population in “Canada” and facing a crisis of high suicide rates. “Dancing is like really healing,” Duncan said, adding that “feel good” chemicals get released when moving to the drum beat. “I think it’s really important to allow Youth to experience that kind of healing.” ‘Just go do it’ Eternity Neekan, a 22-year-old from Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation, works for the Wabinoong Regalia Collective. Neekan initially met and became friends with Duncan through while they were both doing mentorship work with the Regional Multicultural Youth Council in Thunder Bay.  When she first heard her talk about her idea to start a regalia collective, she recalled urging Duncan to “Just go do it.” Soon after, Duncan made a call-out for regalia donations. And, in the summer of 2025, she showed up at Whitesand First Nation’s powwow by herself with only a handful of outfits to share, and no booth.  Now, in their second summer of…